Padding for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in a wireless communication system

ABSTRACT

A boundary within a last orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of a PHY data unit is determined. Pre-encoder padding bits are added to a set of information bits to generate a set of padded information bits such that the set of padded information bits, after being encoded, fill one or more OFDM symbols up to the boundary within the last OFDM symbol. The set of padded information bits are encoded to generate a set of coded bits. A PHY preamble is generated to include a subfield that indicates the boundary. The one or more OFDM symbols are generated to include (i) the set of coded information bits in the one or more OFDM symbols up to the boundary to allow a receiving device to stop decoding the one or more OFDM symbols at the boundary, and (ii) post-encoder padding bits in the last OFDM symbol following the boundary.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/212,927, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,768,996, entitled “Compressed OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) Symbols in a WirelessCommunication System,” filed on Jul. 18, 2016, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/737,316, now U.S. Pat. No.9,397,873, entitled “Compressed Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing (OFDM) Symbols in a Wireless Communication System,” filedon Jun. 11, 2015, which claims the benefit of the following U.S.Provisional Patent Applications:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/010,787, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbol for Padding,” filed on Jun. 11, 2014;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/027,525, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbol for Padding and Preamble,” filed on Jul.        22, 2014;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/034,502, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbol for Padding and Preamble,” filed on Aug.        7, 2014;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/041,858, entitled        “HE-LTF Compression,” filed on Aug. 26, 2014;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/051,089, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbol for Padding and Preamble,” filed on Sep.        16, 2014;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/087,083, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbol for Padding and Preamble,” filed on Dec.        3, 2014;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/094,825, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbol for Padding and Preamble,” filed on Dec.        19, 2014;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/148,456, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbol for Padding and Preamble-v6,” filed on        Apr. 16, 2015; and    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/168,652, entitled        “Compressed OFDM Symbols for Padding and Preamble,” filed on May        29, 2015.        The disclosures of all of the patent applications referenced        above are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their        entireties.

The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/737,273 entitled “Compressed Preamble for a WirelessCommunication System,” filed on Jun. 11, 2015, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to communication networks and,more particularly, to wireless local area networks that utilizeorthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM).

Background

When operating in an infrastructure mode, wireless local area networks(WLANs) typically include an access point (AP) and one or more clientstations. WLANs have evolved rapidly over the past decade. Developmentof WLAN standards such as the Institute for Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n Standards hasimproved single-user peak data throughput. For example, the IEEE 802.11bStandard specifies a single-user peak throughput of 11 megabits persecond (Mbps), the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g Standards specify asingle-user peak throughput of 54 Mbps, the IEEE 802.11n Standardspecifies a single-user peak throughput of 600 Mbps, and the IEEE802.11ac Standard specifies a single-user peak throughput in thegigabits per second (Gbps) range. Future standards promise to provideeven greater throughputs, such as throughputs in the tens of Gbps range.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a method for generating a physical layer (PHY) dataunit for transmission via a communication channel includes: receiving,at a communication device, a set of information bits to be included in adata portion of the PHY data unit; determining, at the communicationdevice, a boundary within a last orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM)symbol, the last OFDM symbol among one or more OFDMsymbols of the data portion of the PHY data unit; adding, at thecommunication device, a number of pre-encoder padding bits to the set ofinformation bits to generate a set of padded information bits, whereinthe number of pre-encoder padding bits is determined such that the setof padded information bits, after being encoded, fill the one or moreOFDM symbols up to the boundary within the last OFDM symbol; encoding,at the communication device, the set of padded information bits togenerate a set of coded bits; generating, at the communication device, aPHY preamble to include a subfield that indicates the boundary;generating, at the communication device, the one or more OFDM symbols toinclude (i) the set of coded information bits in the one or more OFDMsymbols up to the boundary within the last OFDM symbol to allow areceiving device to stop decoding the one or more OFDM symbols at theboundary, and (ii) post-encoder padding bits in the last OFDM symbolfollowing the boundary; and generating, at the communication device, thePHY data unit to include the PHY preamble and the one or more OFDMsymbols of the data portion.

In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a network interface devicehaving one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices. The one or more ICdevices are configured to: receive a set of information bits to beincluded in a data portion of a physical layer (PHY) data unit;determine a boundary within a last orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM)symbol, the last OFDM symbol among one or more OFDMsymbols of the data portion of the PHY data unit; add a number ofpre-encoder padding bits to the set of information bits to generate aset of padded information bits, wherein the number of pre-encoderpadding bits is determined such that the set of padded information bits,after being encoded, fill the one or more OFDM symbols up to theboundary within the last OFDM symbol; encode the set of paddedinformation bits to generate a set of coded bits; generate a PHYpreamble to include a subfield that indicates the boundary; generate theone or more OFDM symbols to include (i) the set of coded informationbits in the one or more OFDM symbols up to the boundary within the lastOFDM symbol to allow a receiving device to stop decoding the one or moreOFDM symbols at the boundary, and (ii) post-encoder padding bits in thelast OFDM symbol following the boundary; and generate the PHY data unitto include the PHY preamble and the one or more OFDM symbols of the dataportion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless local area network(WLAN) 10, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a diagrams of a physical layer (PHY) data unit, according anembodiment;

FIG. 2B is a diagrams of a physical layer (PHY) data unit, accordinganother embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams illustrating orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) tone spacing used with OFDM symbols of a PHY dataunit, according to several embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a guard interval used with an OFDMsymbol of a data unit, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a PHY processing unit, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example padding system, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another example padding system, accordingto another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another example padding system, accordingto another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another example padding system, accordingto another embodiment;

FIGS. 10A-10D are block diagrams illustrating signal extension fielddurations used with data units, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11D are block diagrams illustrating signal extension fielddurations used with data unit having different values of a, according toanother embodiment;

FIGS. 12A-12B are diagrams illustrating a padding scheme, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a transmit portion of an example PHYprocessing unit, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14A is a block diagram of a training field processing unit,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14B is a block diagram of a training field processing unit,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating multi-stream long training fieldtone allocation, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating multi-stream long training fieldtone allocation, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a data unit,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a method for generating a data unit,according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a method for processing a data unit,according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In embodiments described below, a wireless network device such as anaccess point (AP) of a wireless local area network (WLAN) transmits datastreams to one or more client stations. The AP is configured to operatewith client stations according to at least a first communicationprotocol. The first communication protocol is sometimes referred hereinas “high efficiency WiFi,” “HEW” communication protocol, or IEEE802.11ax communication protocol. In some embodiments, different clientstations in the vicinity of the AP are configured to operate accordingto one or more other communication protocols which define operation inthe same frequency band as the HEW communication protocol but withgenerally lower data throughputs. The lower data throughputcommunication protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n, and/or IEEE802.11ac) are collectively referred herein as “legacy” communicationprotocols.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless local area network(WLAN) 10, according to an embodiment. An AP 14 includes a hostprocessor 15 coupled to a network interface device 16. The networkinterface device 16 includes a medium access control (MAC) processingunit 18 and a physical layer (PHY) processing unit 20. The PHYprocessing unit 20 includes a plurality of transceivers 21, and thetransceivers 21 are coupled to a plurality of antennas 24. Althoughthree transceivers 21 and three antennas 24 are illustrated in FIG. 1,the AP 14 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.) oftransceivers 21 and antennas 24 in other embodiments. In one embodiment,the MAC processing unit 18 and the PHY processing unit 20 are configuredto operate according to a first communication protocol (e.g., HEWcommunication protocol). In another embodiment, the MAC processing unit18 and the PHY processing unit 20 are also configured to operateaccording to a second communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11acStandard). In yet another embodiment, the MAC processing unit 18 and thePHY processing unit 20 are additionally configured to operate accordingto the second communication protocol, a third communication protocoland/or a fourth communication protocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.11a Standardand/or the IEEE 802.11n Standard).

The WLAN 10 includes a plurality of client stations 25. Although fourclient stations 25 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the WLAN 10 includes othersuitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.) of client stations 25 invarious scenarios and embodiments. At least one of the client stations25 (e.g., client station 25-1) is configured to operate at leastaccording to the first communication protocol. In some embodiments, atleast one of the client stations 25 is not configured to operateaccording to the first communication protocol but is configured tooperate according to at least one of the second communication protocol,the third communication protocol and/or the fourth communicationprotocol (referred to herein as a “legacy client station”).

The client station 25-1 includes a host processor 26 coupled to anetwork interface device 27. The network interface device 27 includes aMAC processing unit 28 and a PHY processing unit 29. The PHY processingunit 29 includes a plurality of transceivers 30, and the transceivers 30are coupled to a plurality of antennas 34. Although three transceivers30 and three antennas 34 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the client station25-1 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.) oftransceivers 30 and antennas 34 in other embodiments.

According to an embodiment, the client station 25-4 is a legacy clientstation, i.e., the client station 25-4 is not enabled to receive andfully decode a data unit that is transmitted by the AP 14 or anotherclient station 25 according to the first communication protocol.Similarly, according to an embodiment, the legacy client station 25-4 isnot enabled to transmit data units according to the first communicationprotocol. On the other hand, the legacy client station 25-4 is enabledto receive and fully decode and transmit data units according to thesecond communication protocol, the third communication protocol and/orthe fourth communication protocol.

In an embodiment, one or both of the client stations 25-2 and 25-3, hasa structure the same as or similar to the client station 25-1. In anembodiment, the client station 25-4 has a structure similar to theclient station 25-1. In these embodiments, the client stations 25structured the same as or similar to the client station 25-1 have thesame or a different number of transceivers and antennas. For example,the client station 25-2 has only two transceivers and two antennas,according to an embodiment.

In various embodiments, the PHY processing unit 20 of the AP 14 isconfigured to generate data units conforming to the first communicationprotocol and having formats described herein. The transceiver(s) 21is/are configured to transmit the generated data units via theantenna(s) 24. Similarly, the transceiver(s) 24 is/are configured toreceive the data units via the antenna(s) 24. The PHY processing unit 20of the AP 14 is configured to process received data units conforming tothe first communication protocol and having formats described herein andto determine that such data units conform to the first communicationprotocol, according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the PHY processing unit 29 of the client device25-1 is configured to generate data units conforming to the firstcommunication protocol and having formats described herein. Thetransceiver(s) 30 is/are configured to transmit the generated data unitsvia the antenna(s) 34. Similarly, the transceiver(s) 30 is/areconfigured to receive data units via the antenna(s) 34. The PHYprocessing unit 29 of the client device 25-1 is configured to processreceived data units conforming to the first communication protocol andhaving formats described hereinafter and to determine that such dataunits conform to the first communication protocol, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a physical layer (PHY) data unit 200 that the AP14 is configured to transmit to a client station (e.g., the clientstations 25-1) via orthogonal frequency domain multiplexing (OFDM)modulation, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the clientstation 25-1 is also configured to transmit the data unit 200 to the AP14. The data unit 200 conforms to the HEW communication protocol andoccupies a 20 MHz bandwidth. Data units similar to the data unit 200occupy other suitable bandwidth such as 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320MHz, 640 MHz, for example, or other suitable bandwidths, in otherembodiments. The data unit 200 is suitable for “mixed mode” situations,i.e. when the WLAN 10 includes a client station (e.g., the legacy clientstation 24-4) that conforms to a legacy communication protocol, but notthe first communication protocol. The data unit 200 is utilized in othersituations as well, in some embodiments.

The data unit 200 includes a preamble 202, which, in turn, includes alegacy preamble portion 203 and a high efficiency (HE) preamble portion204. The legacy preamble portion 202 includes an L-STF 205, an L-LTF210, and an L-SIG 215. The HE preamble portion 204 includes one or moreHE signal field(s) (HE-SIGA(s)) 220, an HE short training field (HE-STF)225, M HE long training fields (HE-LTFs) 230, where M is an integer, andan HE signal field B (HE-SIGB) 235. Each of the L-STF 205, the L-LTF210, the L-SIG 215, the HE-SIGAs 220, the HE-STF 225, the M HE-LTFs 230,and the HE-SIGB 235 comprises an integer number of one or more OFDMsymbols. For example, in an embodiment, the HE-SIGAs 220 comprise twoOFDM symbols, and the HE-SIGB field comprises one OFDM symbol, in anembodiment. The L-SIG 215, the HE-SIGAs 220 and the HE-SIGB 235generally carry formatting information for the data unit 200, in anembodiment. In some embodiments, the data unit 200 also includes a dataportion 240. The data portion 240 includes a padding portion 244, in anembodiment. In an embodiment, the padding portion 244 includes only thelast OFDM symbol of the data portion 240. In another embodiment, thepadding portion 244 includes more than one OFDM symbol at the end of theof the data portion 240. In some embodiments and/or scenarios, the dataportion 240 omits the padding portion 244.

In an embodiment, the data unit 200 further includes a signal extension(SE) field 245. In an embodiment, the SE field 245 provides buffer timefor a receiving device (e.g., a client station 25 or the AP 14) toprocess the last OFDM symbol of the data portion 240 prior to providingan acknowledgement (ACK) or a block acknowledgement (BlkAck) signal tothe transmitting device, as will be explained in more detail below. Insome embodiments and/or scenarios, the data unit 200 omits the SE field245. Generally speaking, as used herein, the term “receiving device”refers to a client station (e.g., one of the client stations 25 inFIG. 1) or to an access point (e.g., the AP 14 in FIG. 1) in variousembodiments. Similarly, as used herein, the term “transmitting device”refers to a client station (e.g., one of the client stations 25 inFIG. 1) or to an access point (e.g., the AP 14 in FIG. 1) in variousembodiments.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the data unit 200 includes one of each ofthe L-STF 205, the L-LTF 210, the L-SIG 215, and the HE-SIGA(s) 220. Inother embodiments in which an OFDM data unit similar to the data unit200 occupies a cumulative bandwidth other than 20 MHz, each of the L-STF205, the L-LTF 210, the L-SIG 215, the HE-SIGA(s) 220 is repeated over acorresponding number of 20 MHz sub-bands of the whole bandwidth of thedata unit, in an embodiment. For example, in an embodiment, the OFDMdata unit occupies an 80 MHz bandwidth and, accordingly, includes fourof each of the L-STF 205, the L-LTF 210, the L-SIG 215, and theHE-SIGA(s) 220. In some embodiments, the modulation of different 20 MHzsub-bands signals is rotated by different angles. For example, in oneembodiment, all OFDM tones within a first subband are rotated 0-degrees,all OFDM tones within a second subband is rotated 90-degrees, a thirdsub-band is rotated 180-degrees, and a fourth sub-band is rotated270-degrees. In other embodiments, different suitable rotations areutilized. The different phases of the 20 MHz sub-band signals result inreduced peak to average power ratio (PAPR) of OFDM symbols in the dataunit 200, in at least some embodiments. In an embodiment, if the dataunit that conforms to the first communication protocol is an OFDM dataunit that occupies a cumulative bandwidth such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, 640 MHz, etc., the HE-STF, the HE-LTFs, theHE-SIGB and the HE data portion occupy the corresponding whole bandwidthof the data unit.

The data unit 200 is a single user (SU) data unit transmitted to (or by)a single client station 25, in an embodiment. In another embodiment, thedata unit 200 is a multi-user (MU) data unit in independent data streamsare simultaneously transmitted to (or by) multiple client stations 25,where each of the data streams is transmitted using one or more spatialstreams within the data unit 200. In an embodiment in which the dataunit 200 is an MU data unit, the HE-SIGB fields 235 in the data unit 200are spatially mapped by a vector QP₁, where Q is an antenna map orspatial mapping matrix that maps spatial streams, or space-time streamsif space-time encoding is utilized, to transmit antennas, and P₁ is afirst column in a spatial stream mapping matrix P, which is a Hadamardmatrix in which each element of P is +1 or −1, in an embodiment. Inanother embodiment, each element of P is a complex number (e.g., aDiscrete Fourier Transform matrix is used as P). In another embodiment,some elements of P are integers other than +1 or −1. In an embodiment,P₁ corresponds to a first spatial stream.

In an embodiment, as each HE-LTF 230 is generated, a separate column ofthe matrix P is used to map the values to spatial streams. For example,the first column of the matrix P, i.e., P₁, is applied to the signalHE-LTF1 230-1, the second column of the matrix P, i.e., P₂, is appliedto the signal HE-LTF2, etc., in an embodiment. Thus, a client station 25may use the channel estimation from the HE-LTF1 to decode the HE-SIGBfield 235, in an embodiment. According to another embodiment, theHE-SIGB is spatially mapped by a vector QP_(N) so that a client station25 may use the channel estimation from the HE-LTFN 230-M to decode theHE-SIGB 235, in another embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of an example orthogonal frequency divisionmultiple access (OFDMA) data unit 250, according to an embodiment. TheOFDMA data unit 250 includes a plurality of OFDM data unit 252-1, 252-2and 252-3. In an embodiment, each data unit 252-1, 252-2 and 252-3 isthe same as or similar to the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A. In anembodiment, the AP 14 transmits the OFDM data units 252-1, 252-2, 252-3to different client stations 25 via respective OFDM sub-channels withinthe OFDMA data unit 250. In another embodiment, different clientstations 25 transmit respective OFDM data units 252-1, 252-2, 252-3 tothe AP 14 in respective OFDM sub-channels within the OFDMA data unit250. In this embodiment, The AP 14 receives the OFDM data units 252-1,252-2, 252-3 from the client stations 25 via respective OFDMsub-channels of within the OFDMA data unit 250, in this embodiment.

Each of the OFDM data units 252-1, 252-2, 252-3 conforms to acommunication protocol that supports OFDMA transmission, such as the HEWcommunication protocol, in an embodiment. In an embodiment in which theOFDMA data unit 250 corresponds to a downlink OFDMA data unit, the OFDMAdata unit 250 is generated by the AP 14 such that each OFDM data unit252 is transmitted to a respective client station 25 via a respectivesub-channel of the WLAN 10 allocated for downlink transmission of theOFDMA data unit 250 to the client station. Similarly, an embodiment inwhich the OFDMA data unit 250 corresponds to an uplink OFDMA data unit,the AP 14 receives the OFDM data units 252 via respective sub-channelsof the WLAN 10 allocated for uplink transmission of the OFDM data units252 from the client stations, in an embodiment. For example, the OFDMdata unit 252-1 is transmitted via a first 20 MHZ sub-channel of theWLAN 10, the OFDM data unit 252-2 is transmitted via a second 20 MHzsub-channel of the WLAN 10, and the OFDM data unit 252-3 is transmittedvia a 40 MHz sub-channel of the WLAN 10, in the illustrated embodiment.

In an embodiment, each of the OFDM data units 252 is formatted the sameas or similar to the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A. In the embodiment of FIG.2B, each of the OFDM data units 252-i includes a preamble including oneor more legacy short training fields (L-STF) 254, one or more legacylong training fields (L-LTF) 256, one or more legacy signal fields(L-SIG) 258, one or more first high efficiency WLAN signal field(HE-SIG-A) 260, N_(i) HE long training fields (HE-LTF) fields 264 and asecond HE signal field (HE-SIGB) 266. Although in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2B, the data units 252-i include different numbersM_(i) of HE-LTF fields 264, each of the data units 252-i includes thesame number M of HE-LTF fields 264 to align the HE-SIGB fields 266 andthe beginnings of the data portions 270 of the data unit 250, in someembodiments. For example, each of the data units 252-i includes a numberM of HE-LTF fields 264 corresponding to a client station 25, of themultiple client stations 25, that utilizes the greatest number ofspatial streams in the data unit 250, in an embodiment. In thisembodiment, data units 252-i directed to client stations 25 that usefewer spatial streams include one or more “padding” HE-LTF fields 264 toalign the HE-LTF fields 264 with the data unit 252-i with the greatestnumber of spatial streams. For example, in an embodiment, padding HE-LTFfields 264 include repetitions of non-padding HE-LTF field(s) of thecorresponding user, in an embodiment.

Additionally, each OFDM data unit 252 includes a high efficiency dataportion (HE-DATA) portion 268. In an embodiment, padding is used in oneor more of the OFDM data units 252 to equalize lengths of the OFDM dataunits 252. Accordingly, the length of each of the OFDM data units 252correspond to the length of the OFDMA data unit 252, in this embodiment.Ensuring that the OFDM data units 252 are of equal lengths synchronizestransmission of acknowledgment frames by client stations 25 that receivethe data units 252, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, each of one ormore of the OFDM data units 252 is an aggregate MAC service data units(A-MPDU), which is in turn included in a PHY protocol data unit (PPDU).In an embodiment, padding (e.g., zero-padding) within one or more of theA-MPDUs 252 is used to equalize the lengths of the data units 252, andto synchronize transmission of acknowledgement frames corresponding tothe OFDMA data unit 250. For example, each of the data units 252-2 and252-3 includes padding portions 270 that equalize the respective lengthsof the data units 252-2 and 252-3 with the length of the data unit252-1, in the illustrated embodiment.

In an embodiment, the data portion 268 of each OFDM data unit 252includes a padding portion 272. In an embodiment, the padding portion272 includes the last OFDM symbol of the data portion 268 of thecorresponding OFDM data unit 252. In another embodiment, the paddingportion 272 includes more than one OFDM symbol at the end of the of thedata portion 268 of the corresponding OFDM data unit 252. In someembodiments and/or scenarios, the data portions 268 of the data units252 omit the padding portions 272.

In an embodiment, each data units 252 further includes a signalextension (SE) field 274. In an embodiment, the SE field 274 providesbuffer time for a receiving device (e.g., a client station 25 or the AP14) to process the last OFDM symbol of the data portion 240 prior toproviding an acknowledgement (ACK) or a block acknowledgement (BlkAck)signal to the transmitting device, as will be explained in more detailbelow. In some embodiments and/or scenarios, the data units 252 omit theSE fields 274.

In an embodiment, each L-STF field 254, each L-LTF field 256, each L-SIGfield 258 and each HE-SIGA field 260 occupies a smallest bandwidthsupported by the WLAN 10 (e.g., 20 MHz). In an embodiment, if an OFDMdata unit 252 occupies a bandwidth that is greater than the smallestbandwidth of the WLAN 10, then each L-STF field 254, each L-LTF field256, each L-SIG field 258 and each HE-SIGA field 260 is duplicated ineach smallest bandwidth portion of the OFDM data unit 252 (e.g., in each20 MHz portion of the data unit 252). On the other hand, each HE-STFfield 262, each HE-LTF field 264, each HE-SIGB field 266, each HE dataportion 268, and each SE field 274 occupies an entire bandwidth of thecorresponding OFDM data unit 252, in an embodiment. For example, theOFDM data unit 252-3 occupies 40 MHz, wherein L-STF field 254, the L-LTFfield 256, L-SIG field 258 and HE-SIGA field 260 is duplicated in theupper and the lower 20 MHz bands of the OFDM data unit 252-3, while eachof the HE-STF field 262, the HE-LTF fields 264, the HE-SIGB field 266,the HE data portion 268 and the SE field 274 occupies the entire 40 MHzbandwidth of the data unit 252-3, in the illustrated embodiment.

In some embodiments, data for different client stations 25 istransmitted using respective sets of OFDM tones, within the data unit250, wherein a set OFDM tones assigned to a client station 25 maycorrespond to a bandwidth that is smaller than the smallest channel ofthe WLAN 10. For example, a set of OFDM tones assigned to a clientstation 25 corresponds to a bandwidth that is smaller than 20 MHz (e.g.,5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, or any other suitable bandwidth less than 20MHz), in an embodiment. In an embodiment, if an OFDM data unit 252occupies a bandwidth that is smaller than the smallest bandwidth of theWLAN 10, then each of the L-STF field 254, the L-LTF field 256, theL-SIG field 258 and the HE-SIGA field 260 nonetheless occupies theentire smallest bandwidth portion of the OFDM data unit 252 (e.g., in 20MHz portion of the data unit 252). On the other hand, the HE-STF field262, the HE-LTF field 264, the HE-SIGB field 266, the HE data portion268 and the SE field 274 occupies the smaller bandwidth of thecorresponding OFDM data unit 252, in an embodiment. Generally, a dataunit 252 corresponds to any suitable number of OFDM tones within thedata unit 250, in an embodiment.

A set of OFDM tones corresponding to a client station 25 is sometimesreferred to herein as a “resource unit (RU)”. In an embodiment, eachOFDM data unit 252 corresponds to a client station 25 and to a resourceunit assigned to the client station 25. In various embodiments, an RUcorresponding to a client station 25 includes a suitable number of OFDMtones within the data unit 250. For example, an RU includes 26, 52, 106,242, 484 or 996 OFDM tones, in some embodiments and/or scenarios. Inother embodiments, an RU includes other suitable numbers of OFDM tones.

In an embodiment, the first communication protocol utilizes the samechannelization scheme as defined by a legacy communication protocol. Forexample, the first communication protocol utilizes the samechannelization scheme as defined in the IEEE 802.11ac Standard. In thisembodiment, the first communication protocol operates with 20 MHz, 40MHz, 80 MHz and 160 MHz communication channels. The 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80MHz and 160 MHz communication channels coincide, e.g., in centerfrequencies, with the channels utilized by a legacy communicationprotocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ac Standard). In an embodiment, however,the first communication protocol defines a tone spacing that isdifferent that the tone spacing defined by the legacy communicationprotocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ac Standard). For example, the firstcommunication protocol defines a tone spacing that is a fraction 1/N ofthe tone spacing defined by the legacy communication protocol, where Nis a positive integer greater than one, in an embodiment. The integer Nis an even integer (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.), in an embodiment. Theinteger N is an integer that corresponds to a power of two (e.g., 2, 4,8, 16, etc.), in an embodiment. The reduced tone spacing is used in thefirst communication protocol to improve communication range compared tocommunication range supported or achieved by a legacy communicationprotocol, in an embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the reducedtone spacing is used is the first communication protocol to increasethroughput compared to throughput achieved in a same bandwidth channelby a legacy communication protocol.

FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams illustrating OFDM tone spacing used with OFDMsymbols of a data unit, such as the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the dataunit 250 of FIG. 2B, in some embodiments. Turning first to FIG. 3A, atone spacing 300 corresponds to tone spacing defined in a legacycommunication protocol. For example, the tone spacing 300 corresponds tothe tone spacing defined in the IEEE 802.11ac Standard, in anembodiment. In an embodiment, an OFDM symbol generated with the tonespacing 300 for a particular bandwidth is generated using an InverseDigital Fourier Transform (IDFT) size that results in a tone spacing(TS) of 312.5 kHz in the particular bandwidth. For example, an OFDMsymbol generated with the tone spacing 300 for a 20 MHz bandwidth isgenerated using a 64 point IDFT, resulting in the tone spacing (TS) of312.5 kHz, in an embodiment. Similarly, an OFDM symbol generated withthe tone spacing 300 for a 40 MHz bandwidth is generated using a 128point IDFT, an OFDM symbol generated with the tone spacing 300 for an 80MHz bandwidth is generated using a 256 point IDFT, an OFDM symbolgenerated with the tone spacing 300 for a 160 MHz bandwidth is generatedusing a 512 point IDFT, etc., in an embodiment. Alternatively, in someembodiments, an OFDM symbol generated for at least some of the channelbandwidths is generated using an IDFT size that results in a tonespacing (TS) of 312.5 kHz in a sub-band of the entire bandwidth. In suchembodiments, multiple sub-bands of the OFDM symbol are individuallygenerated using the IDFT size that results in the tone spacing (TS) of312.5 kHz in the individual sub-bands. For example, an OFDM symbol for a160 MHz-wide channel is generated using a 256 point IDFT in each one ofthe two 80 MHz sub-bands of the 160 MHz-wide channel, in an embodiment.

Turning now to FIG. 3B, a tone spacing 320 is reduced by a factor 2 (½)with respect to the tone spacing 300 of FIG. 3A. For example, continuingwith the example above, whereas on OFDM symbol generated with the tonespacing 300 for a 20 MHz bandwidth is generated using a 64 point IDFT,an OFDM symbol generated with the tone spacing 320 for a 20 MHzbandwidth is generated using a 128 point IDFT, resulting in the ½ of thetone spacing 300 of FIG. 3A (i.e., 156.25 kHz). Similarly, an OFDMsymbol generated with the tone spacing 320 for a 40 MHz-wide channel isgenerated using a 256 point IDFT, an OFDM symbol generated with the tonespacing 320 for an 80 MHz bandwidth channel is generated using a 512point IDFT, an OFDM symbol generated with the tone spacing 320 for a 160MHz bandwidth channel is generated using a 1024 point IDFT, etc., in anembodiment. Alternatively, in some embodiments, an OFDM symbol generatedfor at least some of the channel bandwidths is generated using an IDFTsize that results in a tone spacing (TS) of 156.25 kHz in a sub-band ofthe entire bandwidth. In such embodiments, multiple sub-bands of theOFDM symbol are individually generated with the IDFT size that resultsin the tone spacing (TS) of 312.5 kHz in the individual sub-bands. Forexample, an OFDM symbol for a 160 MHz bandwidth channel is generatedusing a 512 point IDFT in each one of the two 80 MHz sub-bands of the160 MHz bandwidth channel, in an embodiment.

Turning now to FIG. 3C, a tone spacing 350 is reduced by a factor 4 (¼)with respect to the tone spacing 300 of FIG. 3A. For example, continuingagain with the example above, whereas an OFDM symbol generated with thetone spacing 300 for a 20 MHz bandwidth is generated using a 64 pointIDFT, an OFDM symbol generated with the tone spacing 350 for a 20 MHzbandwidth is generated using a 256 point IDFT, resulting in the ¼ of thetone spacing 300 of FIG. 3A (i.e., 78.125 kHz), in an embodiment.Similarly, an OFDM symbol generated with the tone spacing 350 for a 40MHz bandwidth channel is generated using a 512 point IDFT, an OFDMsymbol generated with the tone spacing 350 for an 80 MHz bandwidthchannel is generated using a 1024 point IDFT, an OFDM symbol generatedwith the tone spacing 350 for a 160 MHz bandwidth channel is generatedusing a 2048 point IDFT, etc., in an embodiment. Alternatively, in someembodiments, an OFDM symbol generated for at least some of the channelbandwidths is generated using an IDFT size that results in a tonespacing (TS) of 78.125 kHz in a sub-band of the entire bandwidth. Insuch embodiments, multiple sub-bands of the OFDM symbol are individuallygenerated with the IDFT size that results in the tone spacing (TS) of312.5 kHz in the individual sub-bands. For example, an OFDM symbol for a160 MHz bandwidth channel is generated using a 512 point IDFT each oneof the 80 MHz sub-bands of the 160 MHz bandwidth channel, in anembodiment. As just another example, an OFDM symbol for a 40 MHzbandwidth channel is generated using a 256 point IDFT in each one of the20 MHz sub-bands of the 40 MHz bandwidth channel, in an embodiment. Asyet another example, in yet another embodiment, an OFDM symbol for an 80MHz bandwidth channel is generated using a 256 point IDFT in each one ofthe four 20 MHz sub-bands of the 80 MHz bandwidth channel, in anembodiment.

A tone spacing defined in a legacy communication protocol, such as thetone spacing 300 of FIG. 3A, is sometimes referred to herein as “normaltone spacing” and a tone spacing that is smaller than the tone spacingdefined by the legacy communication protocol, such as the tone spacing320 of FIG. 3B and the tone spacing 350 of FIG. 3C is sometimes referredto herein as “reduced tone spacing.”

Generally speaking symbol duration of an OFDM symbols, in time, isinversely proportional to the tone spacing used with the OFDM symbol.That is, if Δf corresponds to the tone spacing used with an OFDM symbol,then the time symbol duration of the OFDM symbol is T=1/Δf. Accordingly,a relatively smaller tone spacing used with an OFDM symbol results in arelatively larger symbol duration of the OFDM symbol, and vice versa, inan embodiment. For example, a tone spacing of Δf=312.5 kHz as in FIG. 3Aresults in an OFDM symbol duration of 3.2 μs, while a tone spacing ofΔf=156.25 kHz as in FIG. 3B results in an OFDM symbol duration of 6.4μs, in an embodiment. Further, a sampling rate at which a receivingdevice (e.g., a client station 25 or the AP 14) needs to sample the OFDMsymbol is inversely proportional to the IDFT size (number of points)used to generate the OFDM symbol. In particular, in an embodiment, ifN_(fft) is the IDFT size used to generate the OFDM symbol, then thesampling rate at which the receiving device needs to sample the OFDMsymbol is T/N_(fft), where T is the OFDM symbol duration (T=1/Δf).

In an embodiment, the first communication protocol defines a set ofguard intervals of different lengths that may be used with OFDM symbolsto prevent or minimize intersymbol interference at the receiving devicecaused by multipath propagation in the communication channel. Generallyspeaking, a sufficiently long guard interval is needed to mitigateinterference based on the delay spread of the particular channel beingutilized, in an embodiment. On the other hand, a relatively shorterguard interval, particularly in terms of a ratio of the guard intervalrelative to a length of the OFDM symbol and, accordingly, amount of“useful” data that can be transmitted in the OFDM symbol, generallyresults in a smaller overhead associated with the guard interval andimproves overall throughput, in an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a guard interval used with an OFDMsymbol of a data unit, such as the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the dataunit 25 of FIG. 2B, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, aguard interval portion 402 is pre-pended to an information portion ofthe OFDM symbol 404. In an embodiment, the guard interval comprises acyclic prefix repeating an end portion of the information portion 504.In an embodiment, the guard interval portion 402 is used to ensureorthogonality of OFDM tones at a receiving device (e.g., a clientstation 25 or the AP 14) and to minimize or eliminate inter-symbolinterference due to multipath propagation in the communication channelvia which the OFDM symbol is transmitted.

According to an embodiment, the length of the guard interval portion 402to be used with particular OFDM symbols of the data unit 200 is selectedfrom a set of guard intervals supported by the HEW communicationprotocol. For example, the set of guard intervals supported by the HEWcommunication protocol includes 0.4 μs, 0.8 μs, 1.6 μs, and 3.2 μs guardintervals. In other embodiments, the set of guard intervals supported bythe HEW communication protocol exclude one or more of 0.4 μs, 0.8 μs,1.6 μs, and 3.2 μs and/or include one or more suitable guard intervalsother than 0.4 μs, 0.8 μs, 1.6 μs, and 3.2 μs instead of or in additionto the guard intervals 0.4 μs, 0.8 μs, 1.6 μs, and 3.2 μs. In anembodiment, in accordance with terminology used in a legacycommunication protocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.11n Standard or the IEEE802.11ac Standard), a guard interval of 0.8 μs is sometimes referred toherein as a “normal guard interval” and a guard interval of 0.4 μs issometimes referred to herein as “short guard interval.”

In an embodiment, the first communication protocol defines at least afirst transmission mode (e.g. normal mode) the utilizes the normal tonespacing and supports guard intervals defined by a legacy communicationprotocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ac Standard) and a second transmissionmode (e.g., a high efficiency mode) that utilizes a reduced tone spacingand/or a larger guard interval compared to the tone spacing and guardintervals of the legacy communication protocol. For example, the normalmode utilizes the normal tone spacing 300 of FIG. 3 A and supports 0.4μs and 0.8 μs guard intervals, in an embodiment. The high efficiencymode, on the other hand, utilizes the ¼ tone spacing 350 of FIG. 3C andsupports two or more of (e.g., two of, three of, four of, etc.) 0.4 μs,0.8 μs, 1.6 μs, 2.4 μs and 3.2 μs guard interval options or othersuitable guard interval options, in an example embodiment.Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first communication protocoldefines a normal mode that utilizes a reduced tone spacing (e.g., ½ tonespacing or ¼ tone spacing) and supports two or more of (e.g., two of,three of, four of, etc.) 0.4 μs, 0.8 μs, 1.6 μs, 2.4 μs and 3.2 μs guardinterval options or other suitable guard interval options.

In an embodiment, the particular transmission mode being used with adata unit such as the data unit 200 is signaled to a receiving devicevia a mode indication included in the preamble of the data unit. Forexample, referring to the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A, the HE-SIGA field220 or the HE-SIGB field 235 includes an indication of the transmissionmode used with the data unit 200, in an embodiment. In anotherembodiment, the preamble of the data unit 200 is formatted such that areceiving device can auto-detect transmission mode used with the dataunit 200 based on modulation (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK)verses binary phase shift keying shifted by 90 degrees(Q-BPSK)) of oneor more fields of the preamble of the data unit 200.

In some embodiments, some of the OFDM symbols of the data unit 200 ofFIG. 2A are generated with the normal tone spacing and the regular guardinterval (e.g., 0.8 μs) of a legacy communication protocol (e.g., theIEEE 802.11ac Standard), while other OFDM symbols of the data unit 200are generated with a reduced tone spacing (e.g., the ½ tone spacing 320of FIG. 3B or the tone spacing 350 of FIG. 3C) and/or with a longerguard interval compared to guard intervals supported by the legacycommunication protocol. For example, the L-STF 205, the L-LTF 210, theL-SIG 215, the HE-SIGA 220 and the HE-STF field 225 are generated withthe normal tone spacing and the regular guard interval (e.g., 0.8 μs) ofthe IEEE 802.11ac Standard, while the HE-LTFs 230, the HE-SIGB 235 andthe data portion 240 are generated with a reduced tone spacing (e.g.,the ½ tone spacing 320 of FIG. 3B or the tone spacing 350 of FIG. 3C)and/or with a longer guard interval compared to guard intervalssupported by the IEEE 802.11ac Standard, in an embodiment. As anotherexample, in another embodiment, the L-STF 205, the L-LTF 210, the L-SIG215 and the HE-SIGA 220 are generated with the normal tone spacing andthe regular guard interval (e.g., 0.8 μs) of the IEEE 802.11ac Standard,the HE-STF field is generated with the normal tone spacing and a longerguard interval compared to the guard intervals supported by the IEEE802.11ac Standard, and the HE-LTFs 230, the HE-SIGB 235 and the dataportion 240 are generated with a reduced tone spacing (e.g., the ½ tonespacing 320 of FIG. 3B or the tone spacing 350 of FIG. 3C) and/or usinga longer guard interval compared to guard intervals supported by theIEEE 802.11ac Standard.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a transmit portion of an example PHYprocessing unit 500 configured to generate data units that conform tothe first communication protocol, according to an embodiment. Referringto FIG. 1, the PHY processing unit 20 of AP 14 and the PHY processingunit 29 of client station 25-1 are each similar to or the same as PHYprocessing unit 500, in one embodiment. The PHY processing unit 500 isconfigured to generate data units such as the data unit 200 of FIG. 2Aor the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B, in an embodiment. In other embodiments,however, the PHY processing unit 500 is configured to generate suitabledata units different from the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the data unit250 of FIG. 2B. Similarly, suitable PHY processing units different fromthe PHY processing unit 500 is configured to generate data unit such asthe data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B, in someembodiments.

In an embodiment, the PHY processing unit 500 includes a processing path501, which in turn includes a PHY padding unit 502, a scrambler 506, anencoder parser 510, one or more forward error correction (FEC) encoders512, a stream parser 516, BCC interleavers 518, constellation mappers522, LDPC tone mappers 526, a space-time block coding (STBC) unit 528,cyclic shift diversity (CSD) units 532 and a spatial mapping unit 536.The various components of the processing path 501, according to someembodiments, are described in more detail below. Some of the componentsof the processing path 501 are bypassed or omitted, as described in moredetail below, in some embodiments. Further, in an embodiment in whichthe processing unit 500 is configured to generate multi-user data unitssuch as the OFDMA data unit 250 of FIG. 2B, the PHY processing unit 500includes multiple processing paths 501, each processing path 501corresponding to a particular client station to which the multi-userdata unit is to be transmitted, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, eachprocessing path 501 of the PHY processing unit 500 corresponds to asubset of OFDM tones, or a resource unit, assigned to a client station25 to which the data unit is to be transmitted.

In an embodiment, the padding unit 502 of the processing path 501 addsone or more padding bits to an information bit stream prior to providingthe information bit stream to the scrambler 506, according to anembodiment. The scrambler 506 generally scrambles the information bitstream to reduce occurrences of long sequences of ones or zeros, in anembodiment. The encoder parser 510 is coupled to the scrambler 506. Theencoder parser 510 demultiplexes the information bit stream into one ormore encoder input streams corresponding to one or more FEC encoders512.

While three FEC encoders 512 are shown in FIG. 5, different numbers ofFEC encoders are included, and/or different numbers of FEC encodersoperate in parallel, in various embodiments and/or scenarios. Forexample, according to one embodiment, the PHY processing unit 500includes four FEC encoders 512, and one, two, three, or four of the FECencoders 512 operate simultaneously depending on the particularmodulation and coding scheme (MCS), bandwidth, and number of spatialstreams. Each FEC encoder 512 encodes the corresponding input stream togenerate a corresponding encoded stream. In one embodiment, each FECencoder 512 includes a binary convolutional coder (BCC). In anotherembodiment, each FEC 512 encoder includes a BCC followed by a puncturingblock. In another embodiment, each FEC encoder 512 includes a lowdensity parity check (LDPC) encoder. In some embodiments in which LDPCencoding is utilized, only one encoder 512 is utilized to encode the bitinformation stream, and the encoder parser 510 is bypassed or omitted.

A stream parser 516 parses the one or more encoded streams into one ormore spatial streams for separate interleaving and mapping intoconstellation points/symbols. In one embodiment, the stream parser 516operates according to the IEEE 802.11ac Standard, such that thefollowing equation is satisfied:

$\begin{matrix}{s = {\max\left\{ {1,\frac{N_{BPSCS}}{2}} \right\}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$where s is the number of coded bits assigned to a single axis in aconstellation point for each of N_(SS) spatial streams, and whereN_(BPSCS) is the number of bits per subcarrier. For each FEC encoder 512(whether BCC or LDPC), consecutive blocks of s coded bits are assignedto different spatial streams in a round robin fashion, in an embodiment.In some embodiments where the set of FEC encoders 512 includes two ormore BCC encoders, the outputs of the individual FEC encoders 512 areused in an alternating fashion for each round-robin cycle, i.e.,initially S bits from the first FEC encoder 512 are fed into N_(SS)spatial streams, then S bits from the second FEC encoder 106 are fedinto the N_(SS) spatial streams, and so on, where:S=N _(SS) ×s  Equation 2

Corresponding to each of the N_(SS) spatial streams, an interleaver 518interleaves bits (i.e., changes the order of the bits) to prevent longsequences of adjacent noisy bits from entering a decoder at thereceiving device. More specifically, the interleaver 518 maps adjacentcoded bits onto non-adjacent locations in the frequency domain or in thetime domain. The interleaver 518 performs two frequency permutations ineach data stream, and a third permutation to cyclically shift bitsdifferently on different streams, in an embodiment. The parametersN_(col), N_(row), and N_(rot) (i.e., number of columns, number of rows,and frequency rotation parameter, respectively) used by the interleaver518 are suitable values based on the bandwidth of the data unit beinggenerated and the FFT size to be utilized for generating the data unit,in various embodiments. In an embodiment, the first permutation by theinterleaver 518 ensures that adjacent coded bits are mapped ontonon-adjacent sub-carriers of the signal. The second permutationperformed by the interleaver 518 ensures that adjacent coded bits aremapped alternatively onto less and more significant bits of theconstellation to avid long sequences of low reliability bits, in anembodiment. Further the third permutation is performed by theinterleaver 518 in embodiments with multiple spatial streams, and thethird permutation, in an embodiment, performs a different frequencyrotation on respective different spatial streams.

In some embodiments, for example when LDPC encoding is utilized (e.g.,when the FEC encoders 512 are LDPC encoders), the BCC interleavers 518are bypassed or omitted.

In an embodiment, outputs of the BCC interleavers 518 (or outputs of thesegment parsers 516 if the BCC interleavers 518 are bypassed or omitted)are provided to constellation mappers 522. In an embodiment, eachconstellation mapper 522 maps a sequence of bits to constellation pointscorresponding to different subcarriers/tones of an OFDM symbol. Morespecifically, for each spatial stream, a constellation mapper 522translates every bit sequence of length log₂(M) into one of Mconstellation points, in an embodiment. The constellation mapper 522handles different numbers of constellation points depending on the MCSbeing utilized. In an embodiment, the constellation mapper 522 is aquadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) mapper that handles M=2, 4, 16,64, 256, and 1024. In other embodiments, the constellation mapper 522handles different modulation schemes corresponding to M equalingdifferent subsets of at least two values from the set {2, 4, 16, 64,256, 1024}.

In an embodiment, when LDPC encoding is utilized, the outputs of theconstellation mappers 522 are operated on by LDPC tone mappers 526. Insome embodiments, when BCC encoding is utilized (e.g., when the FECencoders 512 are BCC encoders), the LDPC tone mappers 526 are bypassedor omitted.

Each LDPC tone mapper 526 reorders constellation points corresponding toa spatial stream and a segment according to a tone remapping function.The tone remapping function is generally defined such that consecutivecoded bits or blocks of information bits are mapped onto nonconsecutivetones in the OFDM symbol to facilitate data recovery at the receivingdevice in cases in which consecutive OFDM tones are adversely affectedduring transmission. LDPC tone mapper parameters (e.g., “tone mappingdistance” or the distance between two OFDM tones onto which adjacentconstellation points are mapped) may be different in differentembodiments.

A space-time block coding (STBC) unit 528 receives the constellationpoints corresponding to the one or more spatial streams and spreads thespatial streams to a number (N_(STS)) of space-time streams. In someembodiments, the STBC unit 528 is omitted. Cyclic shift diversity (CSD)units 532 are coupled to the STBC unit 528. The CSD units 532 insertcyclic shifts into all but one of the space-time streams (if more thanone space-time stream) to prevent unintentional beamforming. For ease ofexplanation, the inputs to the CSD units 532 are referred to asspace-time streams even in embodiments in which the STBC unit 528 isomitted.

A spatial mapping unit 536 maps the N_(STS) space-time streams to N_(TX)transmit chains. In various embodiments, spatial mapping includes one ormore of: 1) direct mapping, in which constellation points from eachspace-time stream are mapped directly onto transmit chains (i.e.,one-to-one mapping); 2) spatial expansion, in which vectors ofconstellation points from all space-time streams are expanded via matrixmultiplication to produce inputs to the transmit chains; and 3)beamforming, in which each vector of constellation points from all ofthe space-time streams is multiplied by a matrix of steering vectors toproduce inputs to the transmit chains. Each output of the spatialmapping unit 536 corresponds to a transmit chain, and each output of thespatial mapping unit 536 is operated on by an IDFT processor 540 (e.g.,an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) calculation unit) that convertsa block of constellation points to a time-domain signal.

Outputs of the IDFT processors 540 are provided to GI insertion andwindowing units 544 that prepend to OFDM symbols, a guard interval (GI)portion, which is a circular extension of an OFDM symbol in anembodiment, and smooth the edges of OFDM symbols to increase spectraldelay. Outputs of the GI insertion and windowing units 544 are providedto analog and radio frequency (RF) units 548 that convert the signals toanalog signals and upconvert the signals to RF frequencies fortransmission. The signals are transmitted in a 20 MHz, a 40 MHz, an 80MHz, or a 160 MHz bandwidth channel (e.g., corresponding to a 256-,512-, 1024-, or 2048-point IDFT at processor 540, respectively, in anembodiment, and utilizing a clock rate that is constant regardless ofIDFT size), in various embodiments and/or scenarios. In otherembodiments, other suitable channel bandwidths (and/or IDFT sizes) areutilized.

In various embodiments, the PHY processing unit 500 includes varioussuitable numbers of transmit chains (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.).Further, in some scenarios, the PHY processing unit 500 does not utilizeall transmit chains. As merely an illustrative example, in an embodimentin which the PHY processing unit 500 includes four transmit chains, thePHY processing unit 500 may utilize only two transmit chains or onlythree transmit chains, for example, if only two spatial streams arebeing utilized.

In an embodiment, a PHY processing unit (e.g., the PHY processing unit500) is configured to generate OFDM symbols of different sizes fordifferent portions of a data unit (e.g., the data unit 200). Forexample, the PHY processing unit is configured to generate “long OFDMsymbols” (e.g., generated with a reduced tone spacing, such as ¼ tonespacing) for a first set of OFDM symbols of a data unit, and to generate“short OFDM symbols” or “compressed OFDM symbols” (e.g., generated withnormal tone spacing or a reduced tone spacing that is greater than thereduced tone spacing of the first set of OFDM symbols, such as ½ tonespacing) for a second set of OFDM of the data unit. In an embodiment,the second set of OFDM symbols includes the one or more padding OFDMsymbols of the data portion of the data unit (e.g., the padding OFDMsymbols 244 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the second set of OFDMsymbols further includes subsets of OFDM symbols of different sizes. Forexample, in an embodiment in which long OFDM symbols of a data unit aregenerated with tone spacing corresponding to a 1024-point IDFT for an 80MHz-wide communication channel, a first subset of short OFDM symbols ofthe data unit are generated with a tone spacing corresponding to a firstsize IDFT that is smaller than a 1024-point IDFT (e.g., 512-point IDFT),and a second subset of short OFDM symbols of the data unit are generatedwith a tone spacing corresponding to a second size IDFT that is smallerthan a 1024-point IDFT (e.g., 256-point IDFT).

Generally speaking, transmitting the one or more padding OFDM symbols ofthe data portion of the data unit using short OFDM symbols reducesoverhead associated with padding, in at least some embodiments.Transmitting the one or more padding OFDM symbols of the data portion ofthe data unit using short OFDM symbols reduces the number of coded bitsin the last OFDM symbol allowing a receiving device to process the lastOFDM symbol more quickly thereby providing a sufficient time for thereceiving device to transmit an acknowledgement frame (Ack or BlkAck) ata predetermined time (e.g., at the expiration of a short inter-framespace (SIFS) period), in at least some embodiments.

In another embodiment, a PHY processing unit (e.g., the PHY processingunit 500) is configured to use a flexible two-stage padding scheme basedon a number of excess information bits that “spill over” into a lastlong OFDM symbol, and to utilize variable length signal extension fieldsto provide sufficient buffer time for a receiving device to process thelast long OFDM symbol. In an embodiment, a first stage of padding isapplied to information bits prior to encoding the information bits. Thefirst stage padding adds one or more padding bits to the informationbits as needed to ensure that the padded information bits correspond toOFDM tones up to a boundary a within the long OFDM symbol, and secondstage pads coded information bits (or constellation points generatedbased on the coded information bits) to fill the remaining portion ofthe long OFDM symbol after the boundary a. In an embodiment, a receivingdevice need not decode the second stage padding bits (or constellationpoints). Accordingly, the receiving device stops decoding the last OFDMsymbol at the boundary a within the last OFDM symbol, in an embodiment.Further, in an embodiment, a duration of a signal extension field thatfollows the data portion of the data unit (e.g., the SE field 245 inFIG. 2A or the SE field 274 in FIG. 2B) is variable and is selectedbased on the value of the boundary a selected for the data unit. Forexample, a relatively longer duration of the signal extension field isselected for a relatively higher value of the variable a, in anembodiment.

In some embodiments, the short OFDM symbol scheme or the two-stagepadding scheme is used when a data unit is generated using somemodulation and coding schemes and/or is generated for some channelbandwidths associated with relatively higher data rates. For example,the short OFDM symbol scheme or the two-stage padding scheme is usedonly for an 80 MHz bandwidth channel or for a 160 MHz bandwidth channel,in an embodiment. Further, in some embodiments, a variable durationsignal extension field is used only with some modulation and codingschemes associated with relatively higher data rates, such as modulationand coding schemes corresponding to MCS 5-9 defined in the IEEE 802.11acStandard. A data unit generated using a relatively lower MCS omits thesignal extension field, in this embodiment. As an example, the two-stagepadding scheme is used with all data units generated for an 80 MHz BW ora 160 MHz BW, but a variable duration extension signal field is usedonly with data units generated using a relatively high MCS, in anexample embodiment.

The particular of the boundary a is determined based on the number ofexcess information bits in the OFDM symbol, in an embodiment. In anembodiment, the value of the boundary a is selected from a set {¼, ½, ¾,1} of tones of the OFDM symbol. In another embodiment, the value of theboundary a is selected from a set of integer multiples {1, 2, 3, 4} of anumber of data bits per symbol in a virtual short OFDM symbol within thelong OFDM symbol. In an embodiment, the selected value of the selectedboundary a for a data unit is signaled to a receiving device. Forexample, in an embodiment, an indication of the value of the boundary aselected for a data unit is included a preamble (e.g., in a signalfield) of the data unit. As just an example, referring to FIG. 2A, theHE-SIGA field 220 or the HE_SIGB field 235 of the data unit 200 includesan indication of the selected value of the boundary a used in the lastOFDM symbol corresponding to the padding portion 224 of the data unit200, in an embodiment. Similarly, as just another example, referring toFIG. 2B, the HE-SIGA field 260 or the HE-SIGB field 266 of the data unit250 includes an indication of the selected value of the boundary a usedin the last OFDM symbol corresponding to the padding portion 272 of thedata unit 250, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the receiving deviceonly needs to decode and process the padding OFDM symbol up to theindicated boundary a. Accordingly, as discussed above, the remainingportion of the padding OFDM symbol after the boundary a need not bedecoded or processed at the receiving device and provides buffer time inthe last OFDM symbol for processing the first portion up to the boundarya of the last OFDM symbol, in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the duration of a signal extension field that followsthe data portion of a data unit (e.g., SE field 245 in FIG. 2A or the SEfield 274 in FIG. 2B) is selected based on the value of the boundary aselected for the last OFDM symbol of the data unit. Accordingly, theduration of the SE field is selected based on the amount of buffer timeprovided by the second stage padding in the last OFDM symbol of the dataportion of the data unit, in this embodiment. For example, a relativelyshorter SE field (or no SE field) is used when a smaller boundary valuea is selected because in this case the last OFDM symbol provides agreater buffer time for the receiving device to process the last OFDMsymbol, in an embodiment. On the other hand, a longer SE field is usedwhen a larger boundary value a is selected because in this case the lastOFDM symbol provides less buffer time for the receiving device toprocess the last OFDM symbol, in an embodiment. Example boundaries andcorresponding example signal extension fields according to someembodiments are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 10and 11.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example padding system 600, according toan embodiment. The padding system 600 is utilized in conjunction withthe PHY processing unit 500 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment. Inanother embodiment, another suitable padding system different than thepadding system 600 is utilized in conjunction with the PHY processingunit 500. Similarly, the PHY processing 500 implements a suitablepadding system different from the padding system 600, in someembodiments. In an embodiment, the padding system 600 is used in anembodiment in which the FEC encoders 512 are BCC encoders. The paddingsystem 600 includes a pre-encoder padding unit 604, a post-encoderpadding unit 612, and a computation unit 618 coupled to the pre-encoderpadding unit 604 and the post-encoder padding unit 612. The pre-encoderpadding unit 604 and the post-encoder padding unit 612 is each includedin the PHY unit 500 of FIG. 5, according to one embodiment. Thepre-encoder padding unit 604 is at least partially included in the MACunit 18, 28 of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the computation unit 618 determines the number ofpre-encoding padding bits based on the number of excess information bitsthat do not fit into a minimum integer number of OFDM symbols. Forexample, in an embodiment, OFDM symbols of the data portion 204 arevirtually divided into long OFDM symbols and short OFDM symbols, where ashort OFDM symbol corresponds to a portion (e.g., ¼, ½, etc.) of a longOFDM symbol. In particular, in an embodiment, the last long OFDM symbolis virtually sub-divided into an integer number of short OFDM symbols(e.g., 2 short OFDM symbols, 4 short OFDM symbols, etc.), with eachshort OFDM symbol being a corresponding portion (e.g., ½, ¼, etc.) ofthe last long OFDM symbol. The padding unit 604 adds a number N_(PAD1)of padding bits to the information bits such that, after being encodedby the encoders 518, the coded bits will fill the last OFDM symbol up toa first portion of the last OFDM symbol. The padding unit 612 adds anumber N_(PAD2) of padding bits to the coded information bits such thatthe coded information bits completely fill the entire last OFDM symbol,in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the computation unit 618 computes a value of thevariable a based on a number of excess information bits that do not fitinto a minimum integer number of OFDM symbols fully filled withinformation bits. To this end, in an embodiment, the computation unit618 computes a number of long OFDM symbols needed to include allinformation bits is computed according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = {m_{STBC}\left\lceil \frac{{8 \cdot L} + N_{service} - {N_{tail} \cdot N_{ES}}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{{DPBS} \cdot {LONG}}} \right\rceil}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 3}\end{matrix}$and computes an excess number of bits N_(Excess) according toN _(Excees)=mod(8·L+N _(service) +N _(tail) ·N _(ES) ,N_(DBPS. LONG))  Equation 4Then, based on the excess number of bits N_(Excess), the computationunit 618 determines a value of the variable a by comparing N_(Excess) toa threshold, and assigning a value to the variable a based on thecomparison of N_(Excess) to the threshold. In an embodiment, a number ofdata bits in a virtual short OFDM symbol, determined by (i) the channelbandwidth, (ii) the number of spatial streams and (iii) MCS beingutilized is used as the threshold. In this embodiment, the value of thevariable a is determined according toif N_(Excees)≤N_(DBPS.SHORT), then a=1if N_(DBPS.SHORT)<N_(Excees)≤2·N_(DBPS.SHORT), then a=2if 2·N_(DBPS.SHORT)<N_(Excees)≤3·N_(DBPS.SHORT) ,then a=3if 3·N_(DBPS.SHORT)<N_(Excees)≤N_(DBPS.LONG), then a=4  Equation 5The number of data bits in the last OFDM symbol is then determined, inan embodiment, based on the value of the variable a, according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LAST}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} < 4} \\N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LONG}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 6}\end{matrix}$And the number of coded bits in the last OFDM symbol is determined, inan embodiment, according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LAST}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a \cdot N_{{CBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} < 4} \\N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LONG}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 7}\end{matrix}$

In another embodiment a suitable threshold different from N_(DBPS.SHORT)is used. For example, a threshold that corresponds at leastapproximately to ¼N_(DBPS.LONG) is used, in one example embodiment.

In an embodiment, the number of pre-encoder padding bits N_(PAD1) to beadded to information bits, prior to encoding the information bits, bythe padding unit 604 is determined according toN _(PAD1)=max

(N _(SYM.LONG) −m _(STBS)),0

·N _(DBPS.LONG) +N _(SYM.LAST.init) ·m _(STBS)−8·L−N_(service)  Equation 8

The number of post-encoder padding bits N_(PAD2) to be added to thecoded information bits by the padding unit 612 is determined accordingto Equation 9N _(PAD2) =N _(DBPS.LONG) −N _(SYM.LAST.)   Equation 9

In an embodiment, the padding unit 604 adds the number of padding bitsN_(PAD1) (e.g., determined according to Equation 8) to the informationbits and provides the padded information bits to the scrambler 316. Thepadding unit 604 is included in the PHY unit 500 of FIG. 5, according toone embodiment. The padding unit 604 is at least partially included inthe MAC unit 18, 28 of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment. A tailbit insertion unit 508 inserts a number of tail bits to padded andscrambled information bits, and the padded and scrambled informationbits are then encoded using one or more encoders 512. In an embodiment,the tail insertion unit 608 inserts 6*N_(SS), tail bits, where N_(SS),is the number of FEC encoders to be used to encode the information bits.In another embodiment, the tail insertion unit 608 inserts anothersuitable number of tail bits.

After being encoded by the FEC encoder(s) 512, the coded informationbits are provided to the post-encoder padding unit 612. The post-encoderpadding unit 612 pads the coded bits such that the coded bits completelyfill the entire last OFDM symbol. In an embodiment, the post-encodingpadding unit 612 adds the number of padding bits N_(PAD2) (e.g.,determined according to Equation 9).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example padding system 700, according toan embodiment. The padding system 700 is utilized in conjunction withthe PHY processing unit 500 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment. Inanother embodiment, another suitable padding system different than thepadding system 700 is utilized in conjunction with the PHY processingunit 500. Similarly, the PHY processing 500 implements a suitablepadding system different from the padding system 700, in someembodiments. In an embodiment, the padding system 700 is used in anembodiment in which the FEC encoders 512 are LDPC encoders. The paddingsystem 700 includes a pre-encoder padding unit 704, a post-encoderpadding unit 712, and a computation unit 718 coupled to the pre-encoderpadding unit 704 and the post-encoder padding unit 712. The pre-encoderpadding unit 704 and the post-encoder padding unit 712 is each includedin the PHY unit 500 of FIG. 5, according to one embodiment. Thepre-encoder padding unit 704 is at least partially included in the MACunit 18, 28 of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the variable a computation unit 718 computes a valueof the variable a based on a number of excess information bits that donot fit into a minimum integer number of OFDM symbols fully filled withinformation bits. To this end, in an embodiment, the computation unit718 computes an initial number of long OFDM symbols needed to includeall information bits is computed according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG} \cdot {init}} = {m_{STBC}\left\lceil \frac{{8 \cdot L} + N_{service}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{{DPBS} \cdot {LONG}}} \right\rceil}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 10}\end{matrix}$and computes an initial excess number of bits N_(Excess) according toN _(Excees.init)=mod(8·L+N _(service) ,N _(DBPS.LONG))  Equation 11Then, based on the initial excess number of bits N_(Excess.init), thecomputation unit 718 determines an initial a value of the variable a(a_(init)) by comparing N_(Excess) to a threshold, and assigning a valueto the variable a based on the comparison of N_(Excess) to thethreshold. In an embodiment, a number of data bits in a virtual shortOFDM symbol, determined by (i) the channel bandwidth, (ii) the number ofspatial streams and (iii) MCS being utilized is used as the threshold.In this embodiment, the value of the variable a is determined accordingtoif N_(Excees.init)≤N_(DBPS.SHORT), then a_(init)=1if N_(DBPS.SHORT)<N_(Excees.init)≤2·N_(DBPS.SHORT), then a_(init)=2if 2·N_(DBPS.SHORT)<N_(Excees.init)≤3·N_(DBPS.SHORT), then a_(init)=3if 3·N_(DBPS.SHORT)<N_(Excees.init)≤N_(DBPS.LONG), thena_(init)=4  Equation 12An initial number of data bits in the last OFDM symbol is thendetermined, in an embodiment, based on the value of the variablea_(init), according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LAST} \cdot {init}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a_{init} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} < 4} \\N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LONG}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 13}\end{matrix}$And an initial number of coded bits in the last OFDM symbol isdetermined, in an embodiment, according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LAST} \cdot {init}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a_{init} \cdot N_{{CBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} < 4} \\N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LONG}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 14}\end{matrix}$In another embodiment a suitable threshold different from N_(DBPS.SHORT)is used. For example, a threshold that corresponds at leastapproximately to ¼ N_(DBPS.LONG) is used, in one example embodiment.

In an embodiment, the number of pre-encoder padding bits N_(PAD1) to beadded to information bits, prior to encoding the information bits, bythe padding unit 604 is determined according toN _(PAD1)=max

(N _(SYM.LONG.init) −m _(STBS)),0

·N _(DBPS.LONG) +N _(DBPS.LAST.init) ·m _(STBS)  Equation 15LDPC encoder parameters N_(pld) and N_(avbits) are then determined,respectively, according toN _(pld)=max

(N _(SYM.LONG.init) −m _(STBS)),0

·N _(DBPS.LONG) +N _(DBPS.LAST.init) ·m _(STBS)  Equation 16andN _(avbits)=max

(N _(SYM.LONG.init) −m _(STBS)),0

·N _(CBPS.LONG) +N _(CBPS.LAST.init) ·m _(STBS)  Equation 17The number of code words N_(cw), number of shortening bits N_(shrt),number of puncturing bits N_(punc) and number of repetition bits N_(rep)are then determined based on the number of N_(avbits) determinedaccording to Equation 17, in an embodiment. For example, N_(cw),N_(shrt), N_(punc) and N_(rep) are determined as described in the IEEE802.11n Standard, in an embodiment.

In some situations, as also described, for example, in the IEEE 802.11nStandard, the number of available bits in the minimum number of OFDMsymbols is incremented by the number of available bits in one or, ifspace time block coding is used, two OFDM symbols. For example, in anembodiment, the number of available bits is incremented by the number ofavailable bits in one or, if space time block coding is used, two shortOFDM symbols. In an embodiment, if the number of available bits isupdated, then the value of the variable a is updated accordingly and, ifnecessary, the number of long OFDM symbols is updated according toN _(avbits.new) =N _(avbits) +N _(CPBS.SHORT) ·m _(STBC)  Equation 18Then, the final number of short OFDM symbols is determined, based on thenew number of available bits per OFDM symbol, in an embodiment,according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {SHORT}} = \frac{N_{{avbits} \cdot {new}} - {N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LONG}} \cdot N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}}}}{N_{{CBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 19} \\{a = {a_{init} + 1}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 20} \\{{{{{{If}\mspace{14mu} a} > 4},{{{then}\mspace{14mu} a} = {a - 4}},{and}}N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = {N_{{SYM} \cdot {{LONG}.{init}}} + m_{STBC}}}{{Otherwise},{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = N_{{SYM} \cdot {{LONG}.{init}}}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 21}\end{matrix}$In an embodiment, the number of coded bits in the last OFDM symbol isupdated, based on the updated value of the variable a, according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LAST}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a \cdot N_{{CBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} < 4} \\N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LONG}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 22}\end{matrix}$The number of post-encoder padding bits N_(PAD2) to be added to thecoded information bits by the padding unit 612 is determined accordingtoN _(PAD2) =N _(DBPS.LONG) −N _(SYM.LAST).  Equation 23

In an embodiment, for a multi-user data unit, such as the data unit 250of FIG. 2B, or the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A in an embodiment in whichthe data unit 200 is an MU data, the computation unit 718 computes thevalue of the variable a based on the user with the longest packetduration. To this end, the computation unit 718 computes an initialnumber of long OFDM symbols, and an initial value a, for each user uaccording to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG} \cdot {{init}.u}} = {m_{STBC}\left\lceil \frac{{8 \cdot L_{u}} + N_{service}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{{DPBS} \cdot {LONG}}} \right\rceil}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 24}\end{matrix}$where L_(u) is the number of octets of information bits corresponding tothe user u. Further, the computation unit 718 computes an initial excessnumber of bits N_(Excess.u) for each user u according toN _(Excees.u)=mod(8·L _(u) +N _(service) ,N _(DBPS.LONG.u))  Equation 25Then, for each user u, based on the initial excess number of bitsN_(Excess.u) for the corresponding user u, the computation unit 718determines an initial value of the variable a (a_(init.u)) by comparingthe corresponding comparing N_(Excess.u). to a threshold, and assigninga value to the variable a based on the comparison of N_(Excess.u). tothe threshold. In an embodiment, a number of data bits in a virtualshort OFDM symbol, determined by (i) the channel bandwidth, (ii) thenumber of spatial streams and (iii) MCS being utilized is used as thethreshold. In this embodiment, the value of the variable a is determinedaccording toif N_(Excees.u)≤N_(DBPS.SHORT.u),then a_(init.u)=1if N_(DBPS.SHORT.u)<N_(Excees.u)≤2·N_(DBPS.SHORT.u),then a_(init.u)=2if 2·N_(DBPS.SHORT.u)<N_(Excees.u)≤3·N_(DBPS.SHORT.u) ,then a_(init.u)=3if 3·N_(DBPS.SHORT.u)<N_(Excees.u)≤N_(DBPS.LONG.u),then a_(init.u)=4  Equation 26

Then, in an embodiment, the user with the maximum packet duration isselected according tou _(max) =arg max_(u=0) ^(N) ^(u−1) (N _(SYM.LONG.u)−1+β·a_(init.u))  (Equation 27where β is the ratio of the number of data tones in a short OFDM symbolcorresponding to the user u to the number of data tones in a long OFDMsymbol corresponding to the user u. In an example embodiment, β=0.25. Inanother embodiment, β is a suitable value other than 0.25.

The initial number of long OFDM symbols and the initial value of a arethen determined to, respectively, according toN_(SYM.LONG.init)=N_(SYM.LONG.init.u) _(max)   Equation 28anda_(.nit)=a_(init.u) _(max)   Equation 29

An initial number of data bits in the last OFDM symbol is thendetermined, in an embodiment, based on the value of the variablea_(init), according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LAST} \cdot {init} \cdot u} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a_{init} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {{SHORT}.u}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} < 4} \\N_{{DBPS} \cdot {{LONG}.u}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 30}\end{matrix}$And an initial number of coded bits in the last OFDM symbol isdetermined, in an embodiment, according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LAST} \cdot {init} \cdot u} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a_{init} \cdot N_{{CBPS} \cdot {{SHORT}.u}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} < 4} \\N_{{CBPS} \cdot {{LONG}.u}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a_{init}} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 31}\end{matrix}$In another embodiment a suitable threshold different from N_(DBPS.SHORT)is used. For example, a threshold that corresponds at leastapproximately to ¼ N_(DBPS.LONG) is used, in one example embodiment.

In an embodiment, the number of pre-encoder padding bits N_(PAD1) to beadded to information bits for each user u, prior to encoding theinformation bits for the user u, is determined according toN _(PAD1.u)=max

(N _(SYM.LONG.init) −m _(STBS)),0

·N _(DBPS.LONG.u) +N _(DBPS.LAST.init.u) ·m _(STBS)−8·L _(u) −N_(service)   Equation 32LDPC encoder parameters N_(pld) and N_(avbits) for each user are thendetermined, respectively, according toN _(pld.u)=max

(N _(SYM.LONG.init) −m _(STBS)),0

·N _(DBPS.LONG.u) +N _(DBPS.LAST.init.u) ·m _(STBS)  Equation 33andN _(avbits.u)=max

(N _(SYM.LONG.init.u) −m _(STBS)),0

·N _(CBPS.LONG) +N _(CBPS.LAST.init.u) ·m _(STBS)  Equation 34The number of code words N_(cw), number of shortening bits N_(shrt),number of puncturing bits N_(punc) and number of repetition bits N_(rep)are then determined for each user based on the number of N_(avbits,u)determined for the corresponding user according to Equation 34, in anembodiment. For example, N_(cw), N_(shrt), N_(punc) and N_(rep) aredetermined for each user as described in the IEEE 802.11n Standard, inan embodiment.

In some situations, as also described, for example, in the IEEE 802.11nStandard, the number of available bits in the minimum number of OFDMsymbols is incremented by the number of available bits in one or, ifspace time block coding is used, two OFDM symbols. For example, in anembodiment, the number of available bits for a user is incremented bythe number of available bits in one or, if space time block coding isused, two short OFDM symbols for the corresponding user according toN _(avbits.new.u) =N _(avbits.u) +N _(CPBS.SHORT.u) ·m _(STBC)  Equation35

In an embodiment, if the number of available bits is updated for atleast one user, then the value of the variable a is updated accordinglyand, if necessary, the number of long OFDM symbols is updated accordingtoa=a _(init)+1  Equation 36If a>4, then a=a−4, and N _(SYM.LONG) =N _(SYM.LONG.init) +m_(STBC)  Equation 37

Otherwise, N_(SYM.LONG)=N_(SYM.LONG.init)

In an embodiment, the number of coded bits in the last OFDM symbol foreach user is updated, based on the updated value of the variable a,according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LAST} \cdot u} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a \cdot N_{{CBPS} \cdot {SHORT} \cdot u}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} < 4} \\N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LONG} \cdot u} & {{{.{if}}\mspace{14mu} a} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 38}\end{matrix}$Further, at least some of the LDPC encoder parameters are updated forall LDPC users. For example, the number of puncturing bits Npunct foreach LDPC user is updated according toN _(punct.u)=max(0,N _(CW.u) ·L _(LDPC.u) −N _(avbits.new.u) −N_(shrt.u).  Equation 39The number of post-encoder padding bits N_(PAD2) to be added to thecoded information bits for each user is determined according toN _(PAD2.u) =N _(DBPS.LONG.u) −N _(SYM.LAST.u).  Equation 40In an embodiment, information bits and first padding bits are encoded togenerate N_(SYM.LONG) long OFDM symbols, and then N_(PAD2.u) are addedfor each user u in each of last m_(STBS) OFDM symbols.

In an embodiment, if the number of long OFDM symbols is updatedaccording to Equation 37, this is indicated in a signal field (e.g., theHE-SIGA field or the HE-SIGB field) of the preamble of the data unit.For example, an “extra padding bit” indication N_(ldpc) _(_) _(ext) inthe signal field is set to a logic one (1) to indicate that the numberof long OFDM symbols was updated, in an embodiment. Additionally, thefinal (updated or non-updated) value of the variable a is signaled in asignal field of the preamble, in an embodiment.

As discussed above, in an embodiment, a signal extension field isincluded in a data unit following the last OFDM symbol of the dataportion of the data unit. In an embodiment, a transmitting devicedetermines whether or not to include a signal extension field, and aduration of the signal extension field if the signal field is to beincluded in the data unit, based on the value of the variable a. In anembodiment, a signal field (e.g., L-SIG field, HE-SIGA or HE-SIGB) ofthe data unit includes an E_(TSE) indication to indicate presence orabsence of a signal extension field in the data unit.

A receiving device that receives the data unit determines an initialnumber of long OFDM symbols based on the value of the LENGTH field inthe L-SIG field in the data unit. Then, the receiving device determinesthe actual number of long OFDM symbols, based on the extra padding bitindication N_(ldpc) _(_) _(ext) and the value of the variable a in theHE-SIGA field in the data unit, according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG} \cdot {init}} + m_{STBC}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} = {{1\mspace{14mu}{and}\mspace{14mu} N_{{Idpc}\_{ext}}} = 1}} \\N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG} \cdot {init}} & {otherwise}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 41} \\{\mspace{79mu}{and}} & \; \\{\mspace{79mu}{{a = {a_{init} + N_{{ldpc}\_{ext}}}}\mspace{79mu}{{{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} > 4},{{{then}\mspace{14mu} a} = {a - 4.}}}}\mspace{79mu}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 42}\end{matrix}$

In an embodiment, a receiving device determines the duration of the dataunit based on a LENGTH indication in the L-SIG field of the data unitand further based on an indication of the value of the variable a andthe E_(TSE) indication that indicates presence or absence of a signalextension field in the data unit. In an embodiment, the transmittingdevice determines a value of the LENGTH field according to

$\begin{matrix}{\mspace{79mu}{{LENGTH} = {{\left\lceil \frac{{TXTIME} - 20}{4} \right\rceil \times 3} - 3 + {m_{STBS}.}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 43} \\{\mspace{79mu}{where}} & \; \\{{TXTIME} = {T_{L\_{PREAMBLE}} + T_{{HE}\_{PREAMBLE}} + T_{{HE}\_{DATA}} + T_{SE}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 44} \\{\mspace{79mu}{where}} & \; \\{T_{{HE}\_{DATA}} = {{T_{{HE}\_{SYM}} \times N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}}} = {\left( {12.8 + T_{GI}} \right) \times N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 45}\end{matrix}$

At a receiving device, in an embodiment, a number of long OFDM symbolsin a data unit is determined according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = \left\lfloor {\left( {{\frac{{LENGTH} - m_{STBC} + 3}{3} \times 4} - T_{L\_{PREAMBLE}} + {T_{{HE}\_{PREAMBLE}}T_{SE}}} \right)/{\left( {12.8 + T_{GI}} \right\rfloor.}} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 46}\end{matrix}$

In the equations above, it is assumed that space time block coding isused with all OFDM symbols of a data portion of a data unit if a signalfield of the data unit indicates that space time block coding isutilized for the data unit. In some embodiments, however, space timeblock coding is not applied to the last OFDM symbol of a data portion ofa data unit even if the signal field of the data unit indicates thatspace time block coding is used in the data unit. In such embodiments,the equations above are modified accordingly to account for absence ofspace time block coding in the last OFDM symbol of the data unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example padding system 800, according toan embodiment. The padding system 800 is utilized in conjunction withthe PHY processing unit 500 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment. Inanother embodiment, another suitable padding system different than thepadding system 800 is utilized in conjunction with the PHY processingunit 500. Similarly, the PHY processing 500 implements a suitablepadding system different from the padding system 600, in someembodiments. The padding system 800 is used in an embodiment in whichthe FEC encoders 512 are FEC encoders.

The padding system 800 is generally similar to the passing system 600 ofFIG. 6, except that in the padding system 800 post-encoder padding isperformed on constellation points rather than coded information bits, inan embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, post encoderconstellation point padding is performed immediately before the IDFTunits 540. The padding system 800 includes a post-encoder padding unit802 that operates on constellation points at the output of the spatialmapping unit 536, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the PHY paddingsystem 800 additionally includes a tone mapping unit 804. The tonemapping unit 804 is similar to the LDPC tone mappers 526, in anembodiment. In another embodiment, the tone mapping unit 804 isdifferent from the LDPC tone mappers 526. In yet another embodiment, thepadding system 800 omits the tone mapping unit 804.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example padding system 900, according toan embodiment. The padding system 900 is utilized in conjunction withthe PHY processing unit 500 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment. Inanother embodiment, another suitable padding system different than thepadding system 900 is utilized in conjunction with the PHY processingunit 500. Similarly, the PHY processing 500 implements a suitablepadding system different from the padding system 900, in someembodiments. The padding system 900 is used in an embodiment in whichthe FEC encoders 512 are LDPC encoders.

The padding system 900 is generally similar to the passing system 700 ofFIG. 7, except that in the padding system 900 post-encoder padding isperformed on constellation points rather than coded information bits, inan embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, post encoderconstellation point padding is performed immediately before the IDFTunits 540. The padding system 900 includes a post-encoder padding unit902 that operates on constellation points at the output of the spatialmapping unit 536, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the PHY paddingsystem 900 additionally includes a tone mapping unit 904. The tonemapping unit 904 is similar to the LDPC tone mappers 526, in anembodiment. In another embodiment, the tone mapping unit 904 isdifferent from the LDPC tone mappers 526. In yet another embodiment, thepadding system 800 omits the tone mapping unit 904.

In an embodiment, the number of constellation points to be added by thepost-encoder padding unit 902 is determined in a manner similar to thenumber of post-encoder padding bits as described above except that theequations for determining the number of coded bits in the last OFDMsymbol are replaced by

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{TONE} \cdot {LAST}} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}{a \cdot N_{{TONE} \cdot {SHORT}}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} < 4} \\N_{{TONE} \cdot {LONG}} & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} a} = 4}\end{matrix} \right.} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 47}\end{matrix}$and the equations for determining the number of second padding bits arereplaced byN _(TONE.PAD2) =N _(TONE.LONG) −N _(TONE.LAST).  Equation 48where N_(TONE.SHORT) is the number of data tones in a short OFDM symbol,and N_(TONE.LONG) is the number of data tones in a long OFDM symbol. Thepost-encoder padding unit 902 adds N_(TONE.PAD2) constellation points ineach of m_(STBC) last OFDM symbols of the data portion of a data unit,in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the length or duration of the signal extension field245 or the signal extension field 270 is variable, with a length orduration used with a particular data unit determined based on the numberof post-encoder padding bits or the number of post-encoder constellationpoints included in the particular data unit. For example, in anembodiment, the length or duration of the signal extension field 245 orthe signal extension field 270 is determined based on the value acalculated as described above based on the number of excess informationbits in the last OFDM symbol of the data unit.

FIGS. 10A-10D are block diagrams illustrating padding scenarios andsignal extension field durations used with data units having differentvalues of a and, accordingly, different numbers of post-encoder paddingbits in an OFDM symbol 1000, according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 2A, the OFDM symbol 1000 is the last OFDM symbol of the dataportion 240 of the data unit 200, in an embodiment. Similarly, referringto FIG. 2B, the OFDM symbol 1000 is the last OFDM symbol of the dataportion 268 of a data unit 252, in another embodiment. In an embodiment,the OFDM symbol 1000 is generated using one of the padding systems600-900 o FIGS. 6-9. In another embodiment, the OFDM symbol 1000 sgenerated using a suitable padding system different from the paddingsystems 600-900 o FIGS. 6-9.

Generally speaking, the OFDM symbol 1000 includes a portion 1002 thatincludes coded information bits and first, or pre-encoder, padding bitsand a portion 1004 that includes second, or post-encoder, padding bits.FIG. 10A illustrates a scenario in which a=1. In this case, the OFDMsymbol 1000 includes the excess information bits and first pre-encodingpadding bits 1002 a corresponding to OFDM tones of the first virtualshort OFDM symbol, and post-encoding padding bits 1004 a correspondingto the remaining three virtual short OFDM symbols. In this case,includes an extension field of a duration d1. In an embodiment, theduration d1 is equal to zero (i.e., the data unit does not include asignal extension field). In another embodiment, the duration d1 is asuitable duration greater than 0. FIG. 10B illustrates a scenario inwhich a=2. In this case, the OFDM symbol 1000 includes the excessinformation bits and first pre-encoding padding bits 1002 bcorresponding to OFDM tones of the first two virtual short OFDM symbol,and post-encoding bits 1004 b corresponding to the remaining two virtualshort OFDM symbols. In this case, the data unit includes a signalextension field 1006 b having a duration d2 that is greater than theduration d1 (d2>d1), in an embodiment. FIG. 10C illustrates a scenarioin which a=3. In this case, the OFDM symbol 1000 includes the excessinformation bits and first pre-encoding padding bits 1002 ccorresponding to OFDM tones of the first three virtual short OFDMsymbol, and post-encoding bits 1004 c corresponding to the remaining onevirtual short OFDM symbol. In this case, the data unit includes a signalextension field 1006 c of duration d3 that is greater than the durationd2 (d3>d2), in an embodiment. FIG. 10C illustrates a scenario in whicha=4. In this case, the OFDM symbol 1000 includes the excess informationbits and first pre-encoding padding bits 1002 d corresponding to OFDMtones of the entire OFDM symbol 1000. In this case, the data unitincludes a signal extension field 1006 d of duration d4 that is greaterthan the duration d3 (d3>d3), in an embodiment. As just an example, inan embodiment, d1=4 μs, d2=8 μs, d3=12 μs, d4=16 μs. In otherembodiments, d1, d2, d3, and/or d4 are other suitable durations.

The content of the portion 1004 of the OFDM symbol 1000 is different indifferent embodiments. For example, the portion 1004 includes arbitraryor random post-encoder bits, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, areceiving device discards the second padding bits when processing theOFDM symbol 1000. In another embodiment, the portion 1004 includes arepetition of a corresponding number Y of last coded bits in the dataportion of the data unit of which the OFDM symbol 1000 is a part. Forexample, in an embodiment, the portion 1004 includes one or morerepetitions of coded bits corresponding to the last LDPC codeword (CW)in data portion of the data unit of which the OFDM symbol 1000 is apart. In another embodiment, the portion 1004 includes a repetition of aportion of the coded bits in the portion 1002, or, alternatively, one ormore repetitions of all coded bits in the portion 1002, depending on thenumber of second padding bits in the portion 1004. In some embodimentsin which the portion 1004 includes repetitions of coded bits, repeatedcoded bits are multiplied by a predetermined spreading sequence C toavoid direct repletion of the coded bits and to reduce PAPR. Forexample, in the embodiment in which the portion 1004 includes one ormore repetitions of coded bits corresponding the last CW, as describedabove, each of the one or more repetitions i is multiplied by adifferent predetermined spreading sequence C_(i), in an embodiment.

In some embodiments in which the portion 1004 includes repetitions ofcoded bits, a receiving device discards the repeated coded bits whenprocessing the OFDM symbol 1000. In other embodiments in which theportion 1004 includes repetitions of coded bits, a receiving devicecombines reparations of the coded bits in the OFDM symbol 1000 toimprove demodulation. For example, the receiving device combineslog-likelihood (LLR) decisions obtained based on repetitions of codedbits to improve demodulator performance, in an embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11D are block diagrams illustrating signal extension fielddurations used with data units having different values of a, accordingto an embodiment. FIGS. 11A-11D are generally similar to FIGS. 10A-10Dexcept that FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate an embodiment in which post-encoderpadding is performed on constellation points rather than coded bits.

FIGS. 12A-12B are diagrams illustrating a padding scheme that ensuresthat information bits and first padding bits only up to a boundary a1within the last OFDM padding symbol of the data portion, according to anembodiment. In this case, a receiving device generally has enough buffertime when receiving and decoding the last OFDM symbol of the dataportion, in an embodiment. Accordingly, a signal extension field (e.g.,the signal extension field 245 in FIG. 2A or the signal extension field274 in FIG. 2B) is not needed and is omitted, in an embodiment.

Referring first to FIG. 12A, in a scenario in which the number of excessbits is less than or equal to the number of data bits in a short OFDMsymbol (i.e., N_(excess)≤N_(DBPS.SHORT)), an OFDM symbol 1200 includesthe excess information bits and, if necessary, first pre-encoder paddingbits, in a first portion 1202 of the OFDM symbol 1200 and includessecond post-encoder bits (or constellation points) in a second portion1204 of the OFDM symbol 1200. Referring now to FIG. 12B, in a scenarioin which the number of excess bits is greater than the number of databits in a short OFDM symbol (i.e., N_(excess)>N_(DBPS.SHORT)), then twopadding OFDM symbols are included at the end of the data portion, in anembodiment. A first padding OFDM symbol 1254 includes the excessinformation bits in a first portion 1256 of the OFDM symbol 1254, andincludes first pre-encoder padding bits in a second portion 1258 of theOFDM symbol 1256. A second padding OFDM symbol 1260 includes firstpre-encoder padding bits in a first portion 1262 of the OFDM symbol 1260and includes second post-encoder padding bits (or constellation points)in a second portion 1264 of the OFDM symbol 1260. In an embodiment, thefirst portion 1262 includes the initial portion of the OFDM symbol up tothe boundary a1 (e.g., up to one virtual short OFDM symbol), and thesecond portion 1264 includes the remaining portion of the OFDM symbol(e.g., the remaining three virtual OFDM symbols).

In some embodiments, instead of using a two stage padding process asdescribed above, the PHY processing unit is configured transmit one ormore last OFDM symbols (e.g., padding symbols) of a data portion of adata unit as short OFDM symbols (e.g., generated using the normal tonespacing). In at least some such embodiments, a receiving device hassufficient time to process the last OFDM symbol due to the smaller sizeof the last OFDM symbol. Additionally, transmitting padding bits in ashort (rather than long) OFDM symbol reduces overhead associated withtransmission of padding bits, in at least some embodiments and/orscenarios. In an embodiment, the PHY processing unit 500 determines anumber of long OFDM symbols to be generated and a number of short OFDMsymbols to be generated, and determines a number of padding bits to beadded to the information bits based on the determined number of longOFDM symbols and short OFDM symbols. For example, in an embodiment inwhich BCC encoding is to be utilized to encode the information bits, thenumber of long OFDM symbols is determined according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = {m_{STBC}\left\lfloor \frac{{8 \cdot L} + N_{service} - {N_{tail} \cdot N_{ES}}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LONG}}} \right\rfloor}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 49}\end{matrix}$and the number of short OFDM symbols is determined according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {SHORT}} = {m_{STBC}\left\lceil \frac{{8 \cdot L} + N_{service} + {N_{tail} \cdot N_{ES}} - {N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LONG}}}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}} \right\rceil}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 50}\end{matrix}$where L is the number of bytes of information bits, Nservice is thenumber of service bits (e.g., 16) to be added to the information bits,Ntail is the number of tail bits (e.g., 6) to be added to theinformation bits per BCC encoder, Nes is the number of encoders to beused to encode the information bits, and m_(STBS) is equal to 2 if spacetime block encoding is to be utilized and is equal to 1 if space timeblock encoding is not used, in an embodiment. The number of PHY paddingbits is then determined, based on the number of long OFDM symbols andthe number of short OFDM symbols, according toN _(PAD) =N _(SYM.LONG) ·N _(DBPS.LONG) +N _(SYM.SHORT) ·N_(DBPS.SHORT)−8·L−N _(service) −N _(tail) ·N _(ES)  Equation 51

In an embodiment in which LDPC encoding is utilized, a number of longOFDM symbols is determined according to Equation 10 and an initialnumber of short OFDM symbols is determined according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {SHORT} \cdot {init}} = {m_{STBC}\left\lceil \frac{{8 \cdot L} + N_{service} - {N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LONG}}}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{DBPS}} \right\rceil}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 52}\end{matrix}$The number of padding bits is then determined, based on the determinednumber of long OFDM symbols and the determined initial number of shortOFDM symbols, according toN _(PAD) =N _(SYM.LONG) ·N _(DPBS.LONG) +N _(SYM.SHORT.init) ·N_(DPBS.SHORT)−8·L−N _(service)  Equation 53LDPC encoder parameters N_(pld) and N_(avbits) are then determined,respectively, according toN _(pld) =N _(SYM.LONG) ·N _(DPBS.LONG) +N _(SYM.SHORT.init) ·N_(DPBS.SHORT)  Equation 54andN _(avbits) =N _(SYM.LONG) ·N _(CPBS.LONG) +N _(SYM.SHORT.init) ·N_(CPBS.SHORT)  Equation 55where N_(CPBS.LONG) is the number of coded bits per long OFDM symbol andN_(CPBS.SHORT) is the number of coded bits per short OFDM symbol. Thenumber of code words Ncw, number of shortening bits N_(shrt), number ofpuncturing bits N_(punc) and number of repetition bits Nrep are thendetermined based on the number of N_(avbits) determined according toEquation 55, in an embodiment. For example, N_(cw), N_(shrt), N_(punc)and N_(rep) are determined as described in the IEEE 802.11n Standard orthe IEEE 802.11ac Standard, in an embodiment.

In some situations, as also described, for example, in the IEEE 802.11nStandard, the number of available bits in the minimum number of OFDMsymbols is incremented by the number of available bits in one or, ifspace time block coding is used, two OFDM symbols. For example, in anembodiment, the number of available bits is incremented by the number ofavailable bits in one or, if space time block coding is used, two shortOFDM symbols. In this embodiment, a new number of available bits isdetermined according toN _(avbits.new) =N _(avbits) +N _(CPBS.SHORT) ·m _(STBC)  Equation 56Then, the final number of short OFDM symbols is determined, based on thenew number of available bits per OFDM symbol, in an embodiment,according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {SHORT}} = \frac{N_{{avbits} \cdot {new}} - {N_{{CBPS} \cdot {LONG}} \cdot N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}}}}{N_{{CBPS} \cdot {SHORT}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 57}\end{matrix}$

In an embodiment, if N_(SYM.SHORT.init)>N_(SYM.SHORT), an extra shortOFDM symbol is needed in the data portion of the data unit. Accordingly,in an embodiment, if N_(SYM.SHORT.init)<N_(SYM.SHORT), an extra LDPCOFDM symbol indicator N_(ldpc) _(_) _(ext) included in the preamble ofthe data unit (e.g., included in the HE-SIGA field 220 or the HE-SIGBfield 235) is set to a logic one (1) to indicate that an extra OFDMsymbol is used, and if N_(SYM.SHORT.init)≤N_(SYM.SHORT), the extra LDPCOFDM symbol indicator N_(ldpc) _(_) _(ext) is set to a logic zero (0).

Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the PHY processing unit 500receives information bits to be included in data unit, and generates thedetermined number of long OFDM symbols and the determined number ofshort OFDM symbols for the data unit based on the received informationbits. In an embodiment, each long OFDM symbol is generated based on ablock of information bits having the number of data bits per long OFDMsymbol (N_(DPBS.LONG)) determined by the channel bandwidth, the numberof spatial streams (N_(SS)) and the MCS being utilized. Morespecifically, the number of data bits per long OFDM symbol N_(DPBS.LONG)is determined by the number of data tones in the tone plan correspondingto the channel bandwidth for which the OFDM symbol is being generated,the number of spatial streams N_(SS) over which the OFDM symbol is to betransmitted, the number of coded bits per subcarrier (N_(CBPSC))according to the modulation of the MCS being used, and the coding rate Rof the MCS being used. As just an example, in an embodiment in which ¼tone spacing is used with long OFDM symbols, the corresponding tone planincludes 990 data tones, in an example embodiment. In this embodiment,the number of data bits per long OFDM symbol isN_(DPBS.LONG)=990·N_(SS)·N_(CBPSC)·R. In an embodiment, blocks of codedbits, and corresponding blocks of constellation points, corresponding tolong OFDM symbols are processed using parameters corresponding to thenumber of OFDM tones in a long OFDM symbol. For example, for a data unitto be transmitted in an 80 MHz-wide channel, blocks of coded bits, andcorresponding blocks of constellation points, corresponding to long OFDMsymbols are processed using parameters (e.g., BCC interleaver parametersused by the BCC interleavers 520, LDPC tone mapper parameters used bythe LDPC tone mappers 526, etc.) corresponding to 1024 OFDM tones perOFDM symbol.

Similarly, in an embodiment, each short OFDM symbol is generated basedon a block of information bits having the number of data bits per shortOFDM symbol (N_(DPBS.SHORT)) determined by the channel bandwidth, thenumber of spatial streams (N_(SS)) and the MCS being utilized. Morespecifically, the number of data bits per long OFDM symbolN_(DPBS.SHORT) is determined by the number of data tones in the toneplan corresponding to the channel bandwidth for which the OFDM symbol isbeing generated, the number of spatial streams N_(SS) over which theOFDM symbol is to be transmitted, the number of coded bits persubcarrier (N_(CBPSC)) according to the modulation of the MCS beingused, and the coding rate R of the MCS being used. In an embodiment, theMCS used for short OFDM symbols of a data unit is the same as the MCSused for long OFDM symbols of the data unit. Continuing with the example80 MHz channel bandwidth above, in an embodiment in which normal tonespacing is used with short OFDM symbols, the corresponding tone plan for80 MHz-wide channel includes 234 data tones, in an example embodiment.In this embodiment, the number of data bits per short OFDM symbol isN_(DPBS.SHORT)=234·N_(SS)·N_(CBPSC)·R, where N_(SS), N_(CBPSC), and Rare the same as used with long OFDM symbols of the data unit. In anotherembodiment, however, the MCS used for short OFDM symbols of a data unitis different from the MCS used for long OFDM symbols of the data unit.In an embodiment, blocks of coded bits, and corresponding blocks ofconstellation points, corresponding to short OFDM symbols are processedusing parameters corresponding to the number of OFDM tones in a shortOFDM symbol. For example, for a data unit to be transmitted in an 80MHz-wide channel, blocks of coded bits, and corresponding blocks ofconstellation points, corresponding to short OFDM symbols are processedusing parameters (e.g., BCC interleaver parameters used by the BCCinterleavers 520, LDPC tone mapper parameters used by the LDPC tonemappers 526, etc.) corresponding to 256 OFDM tones per OFDM symbol.

In some embodiments, the PHY processing unit 500 applies a power boostto non-zero OFDM tones of short OFDM symbols to maintain a same transmitpower, in time domain, across long OFDM symbols and short OFDM of thedata unit. For example, a power boost is applied to each non-zero OFDMtone in a short OFDM symbol, where power is scaled by a scaling factorthat corresponds to the square root of a ratio of non-zero tones in along OFDM symbol to non-zero tones in a short OFDM symbol, in anembodiment. As just an example, a number of non-zero OFDM tones in along OFDM symbol generated according to a tone map defined for the IDFTsize used with long OFDM symbols (e.g., 1024-point) is greater than thenumber of non-zero OFDM tones in corresponding N short OFDM symbolsgenerated according to a tone map defined for IDFT size used with longOFDM symbols (e.g., 256-point). For example, whereas a tone map definedfor a 1024-point OFDM symbol for an 80 MHz channel includes 998 non-zeroOFDM tones (990 data tones and 8 pilot tones), a tone map defined for a256-point OFDM symbol for an 80 MHz channel (i.e., ¼ tone spacing)includes 242 non-zero tones (234 data tones and 8 pilot tones) resultingin 242*4=968 non-zero tones in 4 short OFDM symbols, in an exampleembodiment. In this example embodiment, power boost is applied to eachnon-zero tone in a short OFDM symbol, wherein the power is scaled by ascaling factor of sqrt(r_(comp)), where r_(comp)=998/968=1.031, toprovide a power compensation for the relatively smaller number ofnon-zero tones in the short OFDM symbol, in an example embodiment.Accordingly, the power of each non-zero tones in a short OFDM symbol isscaled by sqrt (1.031)=1.0154, in this example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a transmit portion of an example PHYprocessing unit 1300 configured to generate data units, according to anembodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the PHY processing unit 20 of AP 14 andthe PHY processing unit 29 of client station 25-1 each includes a PHYprocessing unit similar to or the same as PHY processing unit 1300, inone embodiment. The PHY processing unit 1300 is configured to generatedata units such as the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the data unit 250 ofFIG. 2B, in an embodiment. In other embodiments, however, the PHYprocessing unit 1300 is configured to generate suitable data unitsdifferent from the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the data unit 250 of FIG.2B. Similarly, suitable PHY processing units different from the PHYprocessing unit 1300 is configured to generate of data unit such as thedata unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B, in someembodiments.

The PHY processing unit 1300 is similar to the PHY processing unit 500of FIG. 5 and includes many like-numbered elements with the PHYprocessing unit 500 of FIG. 5, in an embodiment. Additionally, the PHYprocessing unit 1300 includes an up-sample unit 1302 and a truncateprocessor 1304. The up-sample unit 1302 and the truncate processor 1304are used when the PHY processing unit 1300 is generating short OFDMsymbols of a data unit, in an embodiment. The up-sample unit 1302 andthe truncate processor 1304 are bypassed when the PHY processing unit1300 is generating long OFDM symbols of the data unit, in an embodiment.When generating a short OFDM symbol, the PHY processing unit 1300 beginswith N_(DBPS.SHORT) bits, where N_(DBPS.SHORT) is determined based on anumber of OFDM tones in a short OFDM symbol (e.g., N_(DBPS.SHORT)=K/N,where K is the number of OFDM tones in a long OFDM symbol and N is thetone spacing ratio between a long OFDM symbol and a short OFDM symbol)and the MCS being utilized. As just an example, in an embodiment inwhich K=1024 (e.g., in an 80 MHz bandwidth) and with ¼ tone spacing in along OFDM symbol as compared to a short OFDM symbol, N_(DBPS.SHORT) fora short OFDM symbol of a data unit is determined using 256 OFDM tonesand the same MCS as used for a long OFDM symbol of the data unit, in anembodiment. Continuing with the same example embodiment, if a tone mapfor a 256-point IDFT OFDM symbol includes 234 data tones and if an MCSthat defines 64-QAM modulation and coding rate of 5/6 (e.g., the MCS7 ofthe IEEE 802.11ac Standard) is being used with 2 spatial streams, thenN_(DBPS.SHORT)=234*2*6*5/6=2340, in an embodiment.

The encoding flow for a short OFDM symbol is generally the same as theencoding flow for a long OFDM symbol (e.g., as described above withrespect to FIG. 5), except that outputs of the spatial mapping unit 536are provided to the up-sample unit 1302, in an embodiment. The up-sampleunit 1302 up-samples constellation points corresponding to a short OFDMsymbol by inserting (N−1) zero constellation points between each pair ofconstellation points, where 1/N (e.g., ¼) is tone ratio between a numberof tones in a short OFDM symbol and number of tones in a long OFDMsymbol. Accordingly, a tone index k in a long OFDM symbol corresponds tothe tone index k*N in a short OFDM symbol, except that DC tone indicesin a short OFDM symbol correspond to the DC tones indices in a long OFDMsymbol, in an embodiment.

In some embodiments, the up-sample unit 1302 additionally adds a powerboost to the non-zero OFDM tones to maintain a same average transmitpower, in time domain, in transmission of a short OFDM symbol andtransmission of a long OFDM symbol. For example, the up-sample unit 1302boosts power in each non-zero OFDM tone by a scaling factor thatcorresponds to the square root of a ratio of non-zero tones in a longOFDM symbol to non-zero tones in a short OFDM symbol, in an embodiment.As just an example, in an example embodiment, whereas a long OFDM symbolgenerated using a 1024-point IDFT for an 80 MHz-wide channel includes998 non-zero OFDM tones (990 data tones and 8 pilot tones), a short OFDMsymbol for an 80 MHz channel generated with ¼ tone spacing includes 242non-zero tones (234 data tones and 8 pilot tones), in an exampleembodiment. In this example embodiment, power boost is applied to eachnon-zero tone in a short OFDM symbol, wherein the power is scaled by ascaling factor of sqrt (r_(comp)), where r_(comp)=998/242=4.124, toprovide a power compensation for the relatively smaller number ofnon-zero tones in the short OFDM symbol, in an example embodiment.Accordingly, the power of each non-zero tones in a short OFDM symbol isscaled by sqrt (4.124)=2.031, in this example embodiment. Alternatively,in some embodiments, power boost with a scaling factor of sqrt (N)rather than sqrt (r_(comp)) is applied to each non-zero tone of a shortOFDM symbol, for example for ease of implementation. Accordingly,continuing with the above example, power boost with scaling factor ofsqrt (4)=2 rather than 2.031 is applied to non-zero OFDM tones of ashort OFDM symbol, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, transmit powerin a short OFDM symbol is reduced by approximately 0.2 decibels (dB)relative to transmit power in a long OFDM symbol.

The up-sampled constellation points corresponding to each spatial streamare converted to a time-domain signal using by the corresponding IDFTunit 540 using the IDFT size used for long OFDM symbols of the dataunit, in an embodiment. As a result of up-sampling performed by theup-sample unit 1302, the output of each IDFT processor 540 includes Nperiods of a signal corresponding to a short OFDM symbol. The truncateprocessor 1304 truncates the output of each IDFT processor 540 at thefirst period of the signal. In an embodiment, the truncate processor1304 truncates the output of each IDFT processor 340 at K/N samples.Accordingly, each truncated output of the truncate processor 1304corresponds to a duration of a short OFDM symbol, in an embodiment. Aguard interval is then added to the truncated signal corresponding toeach spatial stream, in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, a receiving device processes short OFDM symbols of adata unit using a K/N-point FFT and a corresponding tone map defined forK/N-size FFT. For example, upon receiving a short OFDM symbol andremoving the guard interval portion of the OFDM symbol, the receivingdevice processes the OFDM symbol using a K/N size FFT to obtain K/Nsamples of the transmitted signal. In an embodiment, the receivingdevice utilizes channel estimate obtained based on long trainingfield(s) of the data unit. Accordingly, if channel estimation wasperformed based on k OFDM tones of a long training field which wastransmitted using a long OFDM symbol, the receiving device utilizeschannel estimates h_(k) corresponding tone k*N, in an embodiment.Further, in an embodiment, if a power boost was applied to the shortOFDM symbol at the transmitting device, then power is scaled down, by asame scaling factor, or alternatively a corresponding power boost isapplied to the channel estimate h_(k) to properly demodulate the tone kat the receiving device, in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, if a data unit includes one or more short OFDM paddingsymbols at the end of a data portion of the data unit, then a signalextension field (e.g., the SE field 245 of FIG. 2A or the SE field 274of FIG. 2B) is omitted from the data unit. On the other hand, if thedata unit does not include any short OFDM symbols at the end of the dataportion (e.g., when padding is not needed at the end of the dataportion), the data unit includes an SE field after the data portion, inan embodiment.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the number of long OFDM symbols andthe number of short OFDM symbols to be included in the data portion 240of data unit 200 is determined such that the number of short OFDMsymbols at the end of the data portion exceeds a predetermined thresholdX, where X is a positive integer greater than 0. Further, in some suchembodiments, because the data unit 200 includes at least X short OFDMsymbols at the end of the data portion 240, the data unit 200 omits theSE field 245. In an example embodiment, to ensure that the data unit 200includes at least N (e.g., at least 4) short OFDM symbols generated witha tone spacing of 1/N (e.g., ¼ tone spacing), above equations fordetermining a number of long OFDM symbols are altered by subtracting onelong OFDM symbol. For example, in an embodiment, when BCC encoding is tobe utilized to encode information bits for a data unit, Equation 45above is altered such that the number of long OFDM symbols is determinedaccording to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = {\max\left\langle {{m_{STBC}\left( {\left\lfloor \frac{{8 \cdot L} + N_{service} + {N_{tail} \cdot N_{ES}}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LONG}}} \right\rfloor - 1} \right)},0} \right\rangle}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 58}\end{matrix}$

Similarly, in an embodiment in which LDPC encoding is to be utilized toencode information bits for a data unit, Equation 45 above is alteredsuch that the initial number of long OFDM symbols is determinedaccording to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG} \cdot {init}} = {\max\left\langle {{m_{STBC}\left( {\left\lfloor \frac{{8 \cdot L} + N_{service}}{m_{STBC} \cdot N_{{DBPS} \cdot {LONG}}} \right\rfloor - 1} \right)},0} \right\rangle}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 59}\end{matrix}$

In an embodiment, short OFDM symbol of the data unit 200 include pilottones at the same tone indices as long OFDM symbols of the data unit200. Accordingly, a receiving device performs phase and frequencytracking using channel estimates obtained based on training signalscorresponding to tone indices of the pilot tones across the long OFDMsymbols and the long OFDM symbols, in an embodiment. Alternatively, insome embodiments, traveling pilots are applied to at least the long OFDMsymbols of the data unit 200, in which case pilot tone indices may bedifferent in different long OFDM symbols. In such embodiments, areceiving device may update channel estimates, initially obtained basedon one or more training fields (e.g., LTF fields 230, 264), based on thetraveling pilot tones included in at least the long OFDM symbols. In anembodiment in which traveling pilot tones are used in long OFDM symbolsof the data unit 200, fixed pilot tones indices are used in the shortOFDM symbols of the data unit 200. In another embodiment in whichtraveling pilot tones are used in long OFDM symbols of the data unit200, traveling pilots are also used in short OFDM symbols of the dataunit 200, with pilot indices scaled by a factor of 1/N with respect topilot tone indices a pilot tone table that defined indices of travelingpilot tones for long OFDM symbols, where 1/N (e.g., ¼) is tone ratiobetween a number of tones in a short OFDM symbol and number of tones ina long OFDM symbol.

In an embodiment, a receiving device that receives the data unit 200determines the number of long OFDM symbols and the number of short OFDMsymbols in the data unit 200 based on one or more indications includedin a preamble of the data unit 200. For example, a receiving devicedetermines the number of long OFDM symbols and the number of short OFDMsymbols in the data unit 200 based on a length field included in theL-SIG field 215, in an embodiment. The length field 215 includes anindication of length of the data unit 200 after the legacy preambleportion 203 of the data unit 200, in an embodiment. A receiving devicedetermines a duration T_(D) of the data portion 240 of the data unit 200based on the length field in the L-SIG field 215 of the data unit 200,in an embodiment. For example, in an embodiment, the receiving devicedetermines T_(D) according to

$\begin{matrix}{T_{D} = {{\frac{{L\_ LENGTH} + 3}{3} \times 4} - T_{{HEW}\_{PREAMBLE}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 60}\end{matrix}$where L_LENGTH is the value of the length field in the L-SIG field 215and T_(HEW) _(_) _(PREAMBLE) is the duration of the HEW preamble portion204.

In an embodiment, the receiving device then determines the number oflong OFDM symbols in the data portion 240 according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = \left\lfloor \frac{T_{D}}{T_{LONG}} \right\rfloor} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 61}\end{matrix}$In another embodiment in which the number of long OFDM symbols wasdetermined at the transmitting device to ensure that the data unit 200includes at least X short OFDM symbols, the receiving device determinesthe number of long OFDM symbols in the in the data portion 240 of thedata unit 200 according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} = {\max\left\langle {{m_{STBC}\left( {\left\lfloor \frac{T_{D}}{T_{LONG}} \right\rfloor - 1} \right)},0} \right\rangle}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 62}\end{matrix}$The receiving device then determines the number of short OFDM symbols inthe data portion 240 according to

$\begin{matrix}{N_{{SYM} \cdot {SHORT}} = \frac{T_{D} - {N_{{SYM} \cdot {LONG}} \cdot T_{LONG}}}{T_{SHORT}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 63}\end{matrix}$where T_(LONG) is the duration of a long OFDM symbol determined by thetone spacing and guard interval duration used with long OFDM symbols inthe data unit 200, and T_(SHORT) is the duration of a short OFDM symboldetermined by the tone spacing and guard interval duration used withshort OFDM symbols in the data unit 200.

In an embodiment in which LDPC encoding is utilized, the receivingdevice determines a number of long OFDM symbols N_(SYM.LONG) accordingto Equation 58, and determines an initial number of short OFDM symbolsN_(SYM.SHORT.init) according to Equation 59. The receiving device thenupdates the number of short OFDM symbols, if necessary, based on theextra LDPC OFDM symbol indicator N_(ldpc) _(_) _(ext) included in thepreamble of the data unit (e.g., included in the HE-SIGA field 220 orthe HE-SIGB field 235), in an embodiment. In particular, in anembodiment, the receiving device updates the number of short OFDMsymbols, if necessary, according toN _(SYM.SHORT) =N _(SYM.SHORT.init) m _(STBC) ·N _(ldpc) _(_)_(ext)  Equation 64

In some embodiments, the HEW preamble portion 204 (e.g., the HE-SIGAfield 220 or the HE-SIGB field 235) of the data unit 200 includes anindication of the number of long OFDM symbols in the data portion 240 ofthe data unit 200 and an indication of the number of short OFDM symbolsin the data portion 240 of the data unit 200. In such embodiments, areceiving device determines the number of long OFDM symbols and thenumber of short OFDM symbols in the data portion 240 of the data unit200 based on the indication of the number of long OFDM symbols and theindication of the number of short OFDM symbols, respectively, includedin the HEW preamble portion 204 of the data unit 200.

In some embodiments, OFDM symbol compression is used with at least someOFDM symbols of a preamble of a data unit in addition to or instead ofpadding OFDM symbol(s) of a data portion of the data unit. For example,referring to FIG. 2A, OFDM symbols corresponding to one or more ofHE-SIGA field 220, the HE-STF field 225, the HE-LTF fields 230 and theHE-SIGB field 235 are compressed OFDM symbols, in an embodiment.Similarly, as another example, referring to FIG. 2B, OFDM symbolscorresponding to one or more of HE-SIGA fields 260, the HE-STF fields225, the HE-LTF fields 230 and the HE-SIGB fields 235 are compressedOFDM symbols, in an embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a block diagram of a training field processing unit 1400configured to generate compressed OFDM symbols of a long training field,according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the processing unit 1400is configured to generate the HE-LTF fields 230 of the data unit 200 ofFIG. 2A or the HE-LTF fields 264 of the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B. Inother embodiments, other suitable processing units are configured togenerate HE-LTF fields 230 of the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the HE-LTFfields 264 of the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B. Similarly, the processingunit 1400 is configured to generate training fields different from theHE-LTF fields 230 of the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the HE-LTF fields264 of the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B, in some embodiments. The processingunit 1400 corresponds to an 80 MHz bandwidth, in an embodiment.Processing units similar to the processing unit 1400 are used with otherbandwidths (e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 160 MHz, etc.).

In an embodiment, the long training sequence defined in a legacycommunication protocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ac Standard) is used as thelong training sequence for the corresponding bandwidth in the firstcommunication protocol. In an embodiment, the processing unit 1400receives a training sequence 1402 having values corresponding to theHE-LTF sequence defined for an 80 MHz bandwidth in the IEEE 802.11acStandard but spread out over tones corresponding to the reduced tonespacing. For example, in an embodiment in which ¼ tone spacing is used,the HE-LTF sequence 1402 includes the values of the VHT-LTF sequencedefined for an 80 MHz bandwidth by the IEEE 802.11ac Standard spread outsuch that consecutive values in the sequence modulate every fourth tone(e.g., tones [±4, ±8, ±12, . . . ]) of the tone map used for 80 MHz longOFDM symbols (e.g., in the data portion of the data unit). The remainingtones, not used for transmission of the VHT-LTF sequence values (e.g.,tones [ . . . , ±5, ±6, ±7, ±9, ±10, . . . ] are zero-tones, in anembodiment. As another example, in an embodiment in which ½ tone spacingis used, the HE-LTF sequence 1402 includes the values of the VHT-LTFsequence defined for an 80 MHz bandwidth by the IEEE 802.11ac sequencespread out such that consecutive values in the sequence modulate everysecond tone (e.g., tones [±2, ±4, ±8, . . . ]) of the tone map used for80 MHz long OFDM symbols (e.g., in the data portion of the data unit).The remaining tones, not used in the HE-LTF sequence 1402 fortransmission of the VHT-LTF sequence values (i.e., tones [ . . . , ±3,±5, ±7, ±9, ±11, . . . ] are zero-tones, in an embodiment.

The HE-LTF sequence 1402 is processed by an input processing unit 1404.In an embodiment, the input processing unit 1404 includes a CSD unitsuch as the CSD unit 532 of FIG. 5, and a spatial mapping unit such asthe spatial mapping unit 526 of FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the inputprocessing unit 1404 additionally includes an LTF mapping unit thatapplies a column or a row of a spatial stream mapping matrix P to theHE-LTF sequence 1402 prior providing the sequence to the CSD unit. In anembodiment, the column or the row of the matrix P is applied to onlynon-zero tones of the HE-LTF sequence 1402. In an embodiment, the matrixP corresponds to the P_(VHTLTF) matrix defined in the IEEE 802.11acStandard.

An up-sample processing unit 1406 corresponding to each spatial streamup-samples the training sequence at the output of the processing unit1404 by a factor 1/N, wherein N is the tone spacing reduction factor, inan embodiment. For example, in an embodiment in which tone spacingreduction of ¼ is used, the up-sample processing unit 1406 up-samplesthe training sequence by a factor of 4. In some embodiments, theup-sample processing unit 1406 additionally applies a power boost to thenon-zero OFDM tones to maintain a same average transmit power, in timedomain, in transmission of a compressed LTF field OFDM symbol andtransmission of a long OFDM symbol (e.g., in the data portion of thedata unit). For example, the up-sample unit 1406 boosts power in eachnon-zero OFDM tone by a scaling factor that corresponds to the squareroot of a ratio of non-zero tones in a long OFDM symbol to non-zerotones in a short OFDM symbol, in an embodiment. As just an example, inan example embodiment, whereas a long OFDM symbol generated using a1024-point IDFT for an 80 MHz-wide channel includes 998 non-zero OFDMtones (990 data tones and 8 pilot tones), a compressed LTF OFDM symbolfor an 80 MHz channel generated with ¼ tone spacing includes 242non-zero tones (234 data tones and 8 pilot tones), in an exampleembodiment. In this example embodiment, power boost is applied to eachnon-zero tone in a compressed LTF field OFDM symbol, wherein the poweris scaled by a scaling factor of sqrt (r_(comp)), wherer_(comp)=998/242=4.124, to provide a power compensation for therelatively smaller number of non-zero tones in the compressed OFDMsymbol, in an example embodiment. Accordingly, the power of eachnon-zero tones in a short OFDM symbol is scaled by sqrt (4.124)=2.031,in this example embodiment. Alternatively, in some embodiments, powerboost with a scaling factor of sqrt (N) rather than sqrt (r_(comp)) isapplied to each non-zero tone of a compressed LTF field OFDM symbol, forexample for ease of implementation. Accordingly, continuing with theabove example, power boost with scaling factor of sqrt (4)=2 rather than2.031 is applied to non-zero OFDM tones of a compressed LTF field OFDMsymbol, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, transmit power in acompressed LTF OFDM symbol is reduced by approximately 0.2 decibels (dB)relative to transmit power in a long OFDM symbol. In an embodiment, thescaling factor is known, a priori, at a receiving device (e.g., thescaling factor is standardized by the first communication protocol) suchthat if a power boost is applied to the short OFDM symbol at thetransmitting device, then the corresponding scaling factor can be usedat the receiving at the receiving device to compensate for the powerboost introduced by the transmitting device, in an embodiment.

The up-sampled training sequence corresponding to each spatial stream isconverted to a time-domain signal by an IDFT processor 1408. In anembodiment, the IDFT processors 1408 are the same as the IDFT processors540 of FIG. 5. In the example embodiment of FIG. 14A, each IDFTprocessor 1408 converts the training sequence corresponding to thespatial stream using a 1024-point IDFT. The time-domain output of eachIDFT processor 1408 includes 1/N periods (e.g., 4 periods) of thetraining sequence corresponding to the spatial stream.

Corresponding to each spatial stream, a truncation unit 1412 truncatesthe output of the corresponding IDFT processor 1408 at a number ofsamples that corresponds to a single period of the IDFT output signal,in an embodiment. For example, a truncation unit 1412 truncates theoutput of the corresponding IDFT processor 1408 at 256 samples for an 80MHz bandwidth, in an embodiment. A corresponding GI insertion unit 1412adds a guard interval to the truncated signal. For example, the GIinsertion unit 1412 adds a 0.4 μs GI interval, a 0.8 μs GI interval, ora GI interval of another suitable duration, in an embodiment. In anembodiment, the duration of the truncated HE-LTF signal and the guardinterval generated by the LTF processing unit 1400 for an 80 MHzbandwidth is 3.2 μs+GI duration.

FIG. 14B is a block diagram of a training field processing unit 1450configured to generate compressed OFDM symbols of a long training field,according to another embodiment. In an embodiment, the processing unit1450 is configured to generate the HE-LTF fields 230 of the data unit200 of FIG. 2A or the HE-LTF fields 264 of the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B.In other embodiments, other suitable processing units are configured togenerate HE-LTF fields 230 of the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the HE-LTFfields 264 of the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B. Similarly, the processingunit 1450 is configured to generate training fields different from theHE-LTF fields 230 of the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A or the HE-LTF fields264 of the data unit 250 of FIG. 2B, in some embodiments. The processingunit 1450 corresponds to an 80 MHz bandwidth, in an embodiment.Processing units similar to the processing unit 1400 are used with otherbandwidths (e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 160 MHz, etc.).

The training field processing unit 1450 is similar to the training fieldprocessing unit 1400 of FIG. 14A, except that the processing unit 1450directly generates a compressed long training field OFDM symbol withoutgenerating N periods of the training field for the OFDM symbol, in anembodiment. Accordingly, the training field processing unit 1450 omitsthe up-scaling units 1408 and the truncation units 1410, in anembodiment. The processing unit 1450 operates on a training sequence1452 that corresponds to the LTF training sequence defined for thecorresponding bandwidth (e.g., 80 MHz bandwidth in FIG. 14B) by a legacycommunication protocol such as the IEEE 802.11ac Standard. The outputsof the input processing 1404 are converted to time-domain signals bycorresponding IDFT units 1458. In an embodiment, the IDFT processors1458 are the same as the IDFT processors 540 of FIG. 5, but utilize anIDFT of a smaller size (e.g., 1/N size) to generate HE-LTF fields of adata unit as compared to the IDFT size used to generate OFDM symbols ofthe data portion of the data unit. In the example embodiment of FIG. 14,the IDFT processor 1458 converts the training sequence using a 256-pointIDFT for an 80 MHz bandwidth.

In some embodiments, duration of OFDM symbols corresponding to the longtraining fields of a data unit (e.g., the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A orthe data unit 250 of FIG. 2B) depends on a transmission mode in whichthe data unit is transmitted. For example, in an embodiment, in a firsttraining field mode, OFDM symbols corresponding to the long trainingfields are long, or uncompressed, with respect to long OFDM symbols of adata portion of the data unit, and in a second mode, the OFDM symbolscorresponding to the long training fields are short, e.g., compressed by½ or ¼ with respect to long OFDM symbols of the data portion, in anembodiment. In another embodiment, in a first training field mode, OFDMsymbols corresponding to the long training fields are long, oruncompressed, with respect to long OFDM symbols of a data portion of thedata unit, in a second mode, the OFDM symbols corresponding to the longtraining fields are compressed by ½ with respect to long OFDM symbols ofthe data portion of the data unit, and in a second mode, the OFDMsymbols corresponding to the long training fields are compressed by ¼with respect to long OFDM symbols of the data portion of the data unit.In an embodiment, the particular mode used is signaled in a signal fieldof the data unit. For example, the HE-SIGA field of the data unit or theHE-SIGB field of the data unit includes a two-bit training field modeindication, where a first value of the two bits (e.g., 00) indicatesthat no compression is used in the long training fields, a second valueof the two bits (e.g., 01) indicates that ½ compression is used in thelong training fields, a third value of the two bits (e.g., 10) indicatesthat ¼ compression is used in the long training fields, and the fourthvalue of the two bits (e.g., 11) is reserved, in an embodiment. Asanother example, a one-bit training field mode indication is used toindicate the training field compression mode, wherein a first value ofthe one bit (e.g., 0) indicates that either no compression is used inthe long training fields or that ½ compression is used in the longtraining fields, and a second value of the one bit (e.g., 1) indicatesthat ¼ compression is used in the long training fields.

In yet another embodiment, long training field mode compressionindication is combined with a guard interval duration indication. Forexample, in an embodiment, the preamble (e.g., the HEW-SIGA field of thepreamble or the HEW-SIGB field of the preamble) of a data unit (e.g.,the data unit 200) includes a guard interval duration indication thatalso serves as a LTF training field (and/or HE-SIGB field) compressionmode indication. As just an example, a guard interval indication thatindicates a first guard interval duration (e.g., 0.4 μs or 0.8 μs) alsoindicates that ½ or ¼ compression mode is used in the LTF trainingfield(s) and/or HE-SIGB field, and a guard interval indication thatindicates a second guard interval duration (e.g., greater than 0.8 μs)also indicates that no compression is used in the LTF training field(s)and/or HE-SIGB field. In an embodiment, the compressed or non-compressedlong training fields of a data unit (e.g., the data unit 200) includemulti-stream pilot tones at pilot tone indices k that correspond topilot tone locations defined for the corresponding bandwidth by the IEEE802-11 ac Standard, but mapped to multiple spatial streams according to└x ₁ x ₂ . . . x _(N) _(HELTF) ┘_(N) _(TX) _(×N) _(HELTF) =Q _(N) _(TX)_(×N) _(STS) ·D _(N) _(STS) _(×N) _(STS) ·P _(N) _(STS) _(×N) _(HELTF)·LTF _(k)  Equation 65where Q_(N) _(TX) _(×N) _(STS) is a spatial mapping matrix, D_(N) _(STS)_(×N) _(STS) is a pre-stream CSD, is the P_(N) _(STS) _(×N) _(HELTF) isthe P matrix as described above, and LTF_(k) is the training sequencevalue (1 or −1) corresponding to the tone k. In an embodiment,multi-stream pilot tones in the long training fields allow a receivingdevice to accurately demodulate data tones adjacent to the pilot tonesin the data portion of the data unit.

In an embodiment, a receiving device that receives a data unit withcompressed LTF fields obtains channel estimates corresponding to 1/NOFDM tones of the channel bandwidth. In an embodiment, the receivingdevice utilizes the channel estimates corresponding to 1/N OFDM tones ofthe channel bandwidth to demodulate N OFDM tones in the data portion ofthe data unit. For example, in an embodiment, demodulates an OFDM tonewith the index k in a long OFDM symbol (e.g., of the data portion of thedata unit) using a channel estimate obtained based on an OFDM tone withthe tone index j in a compressed LTF field of the data unit, wherein jmultiplied by N is closer, in value, to the index k than any other toneindex, in the compressed LTF field, multiplied by N. Thus, for example,the receiving device demodulates OFDM tones with tone indices in therange between 2 and 10 in a long OFDM symbol (e.g., in the data portionof the data unit) using a channel estimate obtained based on the OFDMtone with the tone index 2 in the compressed LTF field, in anembodiment. Further, continuing with the same embodiment, the receivingdevice demodulates OFDM tones with tone indices in the range between 11and 12 in a long OFDM symbol using a channel estimate obtained based onthe OFDM tone with the index 3 in the compressed LTF field, etc., inthis embodiment. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the receivingdevice utilizes a channel estimate obtained based on an OFDM tone withthe tone index k in the compressed LTF field to demodulate tone in therange of k to k+N in a long OFDM symbol (e.g., in the data portion ofthe data unit).

In yet another embodiment, the receiving device uses interpolation toobtain channel estimates corresponding to the remaining tones for whichchannel estimate was not available from the compressed LTF field. Forexample, in an embodiment, the receiving device uses a linearinterpolation to obtain channel estimates corresponding to the remainingtones for which channel estimate was not available from the compressedLTF field. In another embodiment, the receiving device uses anothersuitable type of interpolation to obtain channel estimates correspondingto the remaining tones for which channel estimate was not available fromthe compressed LTF field.

In an embodiment in which long training field compression is used withMU data unit, such as the data unit 200 of FIG. 2A, in an embodiment inwhich the data unit 200 is an MU data unit, or the OFDMA data unit 200of FIG. 2B, one OFDM symbol is used to transmit training signalscorresponding to multiple spatial streams with non-overlapping OFDMtones within the single OFDM tone allocated for transmission of trainingsignals corresponding to different ones of the multiple spatial streams.In this case, multiple long training fields, each having a number ofOFDM tones corresponding to the number of tones in a compressed OFDMsymbol, are transmitted using a single OFDM symbol long training field.For example, in an embodiment in which a compression factor N used forthe long training is greater than or equal to the number of spatialstreams in the data unit, a single long training field OFDM symbolincludes training tones corresponding to each of the spatial streamstransmitted on non-overlapping orthogonal OFDM tones of the OFDM symbol.As an example, each modulo(n, N)-th tone of the training field OFDMsymbol is allocated to the spatial stream n, in an embodiment. In someembodiments, multiple such LTF training fields (e.g., multiple repeatingOFDM symbols of the long training field) are transmitted so that areceiving device can average channel estimates obtained from themultiple training fields, for example. Further, in one such embodiment,different OFDM tones are allocated to a same spatial stream in differentones of the multiple LTF training fields to further enhance channelestimation that can be obtained from the multiple long training fieldOFDM symbols. For example, OFDM tones at tone indices of modulo((n+i),4) are allocated to a spatial stream n in a long training OFDM symbol i,in an embodiment.

In an embodiment in which the compression factor N is greater than thenumber N_(SS) of spatial streams, OFDM tones corresponding to the extraspatial streams are transmitted as zero-tones, or are allocated to someof the N_(SS) spatial streams. For example, in an embodiment in whichthe compression factor N=4, and the number of spatial streams N_(SS)=2,OFDM tones corresponding to each one of the extra two spatial streamsare allocated to each one of the N_(ss) spatial streams. In anotherembodiment in which the compression factor N=4, and the number ofspatial streams N_(SS)=2, OFDM tones corresponding to the extra twospatial streams are allocated to one of the N_(SS) spatial streams, suchas the spatial stream corresponding to a channel with a relatively lowersignal to noise ratio (SNR) as compared to the other spatial stream. Inanother embodiment in which the compression factor N is greater than thenumber N_(SS) of spatial streams, a mapping matrix P having dimensionsof N_(SS)×N is used to map OFDM tones of the single training field OFDMsymbol to each of the N_(SS) spatial streams using a different row ofthe mapping matrix P.

In an embodiment, a receiving device obtains channel estimatescorresponding to each spatial stream based on the OFDM tones allocatedto the spatial stream in a single training field OFDM symbol included ina data unit, and utilizes channel estimate replication or interpolationto demodulate OFDM tones (e.g., in a long OFDM symbol of the dataportion of the data unit) as described above with respect to FIGS.14A-14B, in an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating amulti-stream LTF tone allocation for an example embodiment with acompression factor of 4 (1/N=¼) and 4 spatial streams.

In an embodiment in which the compression factor N is less than thenumber N_(SS) of spatial streams, overlapping OFDM tones of a trainingfield OFDM symbol are allocated to some of the spatial streams. Forexample, in an embodiment, OFDM tones at tone indices of modulo(n, N)are allocated to a spatial stream n, in an embodiment. In an embodiment,different columns of a mapping matrix P are applied to overlapping OFDMtone allocated to different spatial streams. For example, in anembodiment with compression factor N and four spatial streams, andmultiple such training field OFDM symbols are included in a data unit,in such embodiments. Generally speaking, if the number of spatialstreams N_(SS)=M*N+K, then L OFDM symbols are needed, where L=M if K=0and L=M+1 of K≠0, in an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagramillustrating a multi-stream LTF tone allocation for an exampleembodiment with a compression factor of 2 (1/N=½) and 4 spatial streams,according to an embodiment.

Generally speaking, in an embodiment in which the compression factor Nis less than the number N_(SS) of spatial streams, if the number ofspatial streams N_(SS)=M*N+K, then L OFDM symbols are needed, where L=Mif K=0 and L=M+1 of K≠0, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, respectiveones of the spatial streams are grouped into L groups, with M spatialstreams in each of the L groups, except that in an embodiment in whichK≠0, one of the L groups will include K rather than M spatial streams.Then, non-overlapping OFDM tones of one long training field OFDM symbolare allocated to spatial streams within a same group, in an embodiment.Further, different rows (or different columns) or a spatial mappingmatrix P are applied to OFDM tones allocated to corresponding OFDM tonesallocated to different spatial streams that are members of differentgroups, in an embodiment. For example, referring to FIG. 16A, spatialstream 0 and spatial stream 1 are grouped to form a first group, andnon-overlapping OFDM tones are allocated to spatial stream 0 and spatialstream 1 of the first group. Further, continuing with the sameembodiment, spatial stream 2 and spatial stream 3 are grouped to form asecond group, and non-overlapping OFDM tones are allocated to spatialstream 2 and spatial stream 3 of the second group. Further, differentrows or columns of a 2×2 spatial mapping matrix P are applied to OFDMtones corresponding to the spatial stream 0 and the spatial stream 2, inan embodiment. Similarly, different rows or columns of the 2×2 spatialmapping matrix P are applied to OFDM tones corresponding to the spatialstream 1 and the spatial stream 3, in an embodiment.

In another embodiment in which the compression factor N is less than thenumber N_(SS) of spatial streams, a hybrid mode is used in which acombination of one or more training OFDM symbols are shared by a firstnumber of multiple spatial streams and one or more other training OFDMsymbols are compressed and are used for fewer spatial streams than thefirst number of spatial streams. For example, in the embodimentdescribed above in which K≠0, one or more compressed long training fieldOFDM symbols are used for the one of the L groups that includes K ratherthan M spatial streams, in an embodiment, wherein each one of the one ormore compressed OFDM symbols is used for one of the K spatial streams.

In another embodiment in which the compression factor N is less than thenumber N_(SS) of spatial streams, the N_(SS) are grouped such that thenumber of spatial streams N_(SS) _(_) _(ltf) included in each of thegroups is a divisor of N. In an embodiment, a separate OFDM symbol isused for each of the groups, where a compression mode (e.g., nocompression, ½ compression, or ¼ compression) is selected for an OFDMsymbol depending on the number of spatial streams included in thecorresponding group. As an example, in an embodiment in which N=4 andN_(SS)=7, three groups of spatial streams are formed, where a firstgroup includes 4 spatial streams, a second group includes 2 spatialstreams, and a third group includes 1 spatial stream. In thisembodiment, a non-compressed OFDM symbol is used for the first group, a½ compressed OFDM symbol is used for the second group, and a ¼compressed OFDM symbol is used for the third group. Within each of theOFDM symbol, OFDM tones with indices modulo(n*N/N_(SS) _(_) _(ltf), N)are allocated to the spatial stream n within the group, in anembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of an example method 1700 for generating adata unit, according to an embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, themethod 1700 is implemented by the network interface device 16, in anembodiment. For example, in one such embodiment, the PHY processing unit20 is configured to implement the method 1700. According to anotherembodiment, the MAC processing 18 is also configured to implement atleast a part of the method 1700. With continued reference to FIG. 1, inyet another embodiment, the method 1700 is implemented by the networkinterface device 27 (e.g., the PHY processing unit 29 and/or the MACprocessing unit 28). In other embodiments, the method 1700 isimplemented by other suitable network interface devices.

At block 1702, a plurality of information bits to be included in a dataportion of a data unit are received. At block 1704, one or morepre-encoder padding bits are added to the information bits. In anembodiment, the one or more pre-encoder padding bits are added to theinformation bits such that the padded information bits, after beingencoded, fill one or more OFDM symbols up to a first portion of a lastOFDM symbol, of the one or more OFDM symbols. In an embodiment, thefirst portion corresponds to an initial portion of the last OFDM symbolup to a boundary within the last OFDM symbol.

At block 1706, the information bits and the pre-encoder padding bits areencoded using one or more encoders. At block 1708, coded bitscorresponding to the last OFDM symbol are padded, or constellatingpoints generated based on the coded bits corresponding to the last OFDMsymbol are padded such that the padded coded bits or the paddedconstellation points occupy a second portion of the last OFDM symbol. Inan embodiment, the second portion of the last OFDM symbol is theremaining portion after the boundary within the last OFDM symbol.

At block 1710, the one or more OFDM symbols are generated. In anembodiment, the one or more OFDM symbol are generated to include (i) thecoded information bits corresponding to the last OFDM symbol, (ii) thefirst padding bits in the first portion of the last OFDM symbol, and(ii) second padding bits or padding constellation points in the secondportion of the last OFDM symbol. At block 1712, the data unit isgenerated to include at least the one or more OFDM symbols generated atblock 1712.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of an example method 1800 for generating adata unit, according to an embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, themethod 1800 is implemented by the network interface device 16, in anembodiment. For example, in one such embodiment, the PHY processing unit20 is configured to implement the method 1800. According to anotherembodiment, the MAC processing 18 is also configured to implement atleast a part of the method 1800. With continued reference to FIG. 1, inyet another embodiment, the method 1800 is implemented by the networkinterface device 27 (e.g., the PHY processing unit 29 and/or the MACprocessing unit 28). In other embodiments, the method 1800 isimplemented by other suitable network interface devices.

At block 1802, one or more long OFDM symbols are generated for a dataportion of the data unit. The one or more long OFDM symbols aregenerated with a first number of OFDM tones, in an embodiment. In anembodiment, the first number of OFDM tones corresponds to a first tonespacing (e.g., reduced tone spacing such as ¼ tone spacing). In anembodiment, the first number of OFDM tones corresponds to an IDFT of afirst size.

At block 1804, one or more short OFDM symbols are generate for one ormore long training fields of a preamble of the data unit. The one ormore short OFDM symbols are generated with a second number of OFDM tonesthat is a fraction of the first number of OFDM tones, in an embodiment.In an embodiment, the second number of OFDM tones corresponds to asecond tone spacing (e.g., normal tone spacing). In an embodiment, thesecond number of OFDM tones corresponds to an IDFT of a second size thatis a fraction of the first size.

At block 1806, the data unit is generated. In an embodiment, generatingthe data unit at block 1806 includes (i) generating the preamble toinclude the one or more short OFDM symbols corresponding to the one ormore training fields of the preamble and (ii) generating the dataportion to include the one or more long OFDM symbols.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of an example method 1900 for processing adata unit, according to an embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, themethod 1900 is implemented by the network interface device 16, in anembodiment. For example, in one such embodiment, the PHY processing unit20 is configured to implement the method 1900. According to anotherembodiment, the MAC processing 18 is also configured to implement atleast a part of the method 1900. With continued reference to FIG. 1, inyet another embodiment, the method 1800 is implemented by the networkinterface device 27 (e.g., the PHY processing unit 29 and/or the MACprocessing unit 28). In other embodiments, the method 1900 isimplemented by other suitable network interface devices.

At block 1902, a long OFDM symbols is received. In an embodiment, thelong OFDM symbol is received at block 1902 in a data portion of a dataunit. The long OFDM symbol includes a first set of OFDM tones having afirst number of OFDM tones. As just an example, in an example embodimentin which the OFDM symbol has a bandwidth of 80 MHz, the long OFDM symbolincludes 1024 OFDM tones.

At block 1904, one or more short OFDM symbols are received. In anembodiment, the short OFDM symbols are received in a preamble portion ofthe data unit. In an embodiment, the one or more short OFDM symbolscorrespond to one or more long training fields included in a preamble ofthe data unit. Each of the one or more short OFDM symbols includes asecond set of OFDM tones having a second number of OFDM tones. In anembodiment, the second number of OFDM tones is a fraction 1/N of thefirst number of OFDM tones. As just an example, in an example embodimentin which the OFDM symbol has a bandwidth of 80 MHz, each of the one ormore sort OFDM symbol includes 256 OFDM tones.

At block 1906, channel estimates corresponding to OFDM tones of thesecond set of OFDM tones are obtained. At block 1908, the channelestimates obtained at block 1096 are used to process OFDM tones of thefirst set of OFDM tones of the long OFDM symbol received at block 1902.

In an embodiment, a method for generating a physical layer (PHY) dataunit for transmission via a communication channel includes receiving aplurality of information bits to be included in a data portion of thePHY data unit. The method also includes adding one or more first paddingbits to the information bits such that the information bits, after beingencoded, fill one or more OFDM symbols up to a first portion of a lastOFDM symbol, wherein the first portion of the last OFDM symbol is aninitial portion of the last OFDM symbol up to a boundary within the lastOFDM symbol, and encoding the information bits and the first paddingbits to generate coded bits. The method additionally includes performingone of (i) padding coded bits corresponding to the last OFDM symbol or(ii) padding constellation points generated based on the coded bitscorresponding to the last OFDM symbol such that the padded coded bits orthe padded constellation points occupy a second portion of the last OFDMsymbol, wherein the second portion is a remaining portion of the lastOFDM symbol after the boundary. The method further includes generatingthe one or more OFDM symbols, including generating the last OFDM symbolto include (i) the coded information bits corresponding to the last OFDMsymbol, (ii) the first padding bits in the first portion of the lastOFDM symbol, and (ii) second padding bits or padding constellationpoints in the second portion of the last OFDM symbol, and generating thePHY data unit to include at least one or more OFDM symbols.

In other embodiments, the method includes any suitable combination ofone or more of the following features.

The method further includes determining a number of excess informationbits, of the set of information bits, to be included in the last OFDMsymbol, and selecting a boundary value of the boundary within the lastOFDM symbol based on the determined number of excess information bits.

The last OFDM symbol is a long OFDM symbol corresponding to an InverseDigital Fourier Transform (IDFT) of a first size, and wherein selectingthe value of the boundary comprises selecting the value from a set ofinteger multiples a number of data bits in a virtual short OFDM symbol,wherein the virtual short OFDM symbol corresponds to an Inverse DigitalFourier Transform (IDFT) of a second size that is a fraction of thefirst size.

Generating the PHY data unit further comprises including a signalextension field after the data portion if the selected boundary valueexceeds a threshold, wherein a duration of the signal extension field isdetermined based on the selected boundary value.

The method further includes generating a signal field to be included ina preamble of the PHY data unit, wherein the signal field includes anindication of the selected boundary value.

The method further includes generating the preamble of the PHY data unitto further include the signal field.

The method further includes generating the PHY data unit to furtherinclude the preamble.

Generating the signal field comprises generating the signal field tofurther include an indication to indicate whether an extension signalfield is included in the PHY data unit.

Encoding the information bits and the first padding bits to generatecoded bits comprises encoding the information bits and the first paddingbits using one or more binary convolutional code (BCC) encoders.

Encoding the information bits and the first padding bits to generatecoded bits comprises encoding the information bits and the first paddingbits using one or more low density parity check (LDPC) encoders.

Padding coded bits such that padded coded bits occupy the second portionof the last OFDM symbol comprises adding one or more paddingconstellation points to a set of constellation points generated based onthe coded bits.

Padding coded bits such that padded coded bits occupy the second portionof the last OFDM symbol comprises repeating Y last coded bits, where Yis a positive integer greater than zero.

In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a network interface devicehaving one or more integrated circuits configured to receive a pluralityof information bits to be included in a data portion of a physical layer(PHY) data unit. The one or more integrated circuits are furtherconfigured to add one or more first padding bits to the information bitssuch that the information bits, after being encoded, fill one or moreOFDM symbols up to a first portion of a last OFDM symbol, wherein thefirst portion of the last OFDM symbol is an initial portion of the lastOFDM symbol up to a boundary within the last OFDM symbol, and encode theinformation bits and the first padding bits to generate coded bits. Theone or more integrated circuits are further still configured to performone of (i) padding coded bits corresponding to the last OFDM symbol or(ii) padding constellation points generated based on the coded bitscorresponding to the last OFDM symbol such that the padded coded bits orthe padded constellation points occupy a second portion of the last OFDMsymbol, wherein the second portion is a remaining portion of the lastOFDM symbol after the boundary. The one or more integrated circuits areadditionally configured to generate the one or more OFDM symbols,including generating the last OFDM symbol to include (i) the codedinformation bits corresponding to the last OFDM symbol, (ii) the firstpadding bits in the first portion of the last OFDM symbol, and (ii)second padding bits or padding constellation points in the secondportion of the last OFDM symbol, and generate the PHY data unit toinclude at least one or more OFDM symbols.

In other embodiments, the apparatus includes any suitable combination ofone or more of the following features.

The one or more integrated circuits are further configured to determinea number of excess information bits, of the set of information bits, tobe included in the last OFDM symbol, and select a boundary value of theboundary within the last OFDM symbol based on the determined number ofexcess information bits.

The last OFDM symbol is a long OFDM symbol corresponding to an InverseDigital Fourier Transform (IDFT) of a first size, and wherein the one ormore integrated circuits are configured to select the value of theboundary from a set of integer multiples a number of data bits in avirtual short OFDM symbol, wherein the virtual short OFDM symbolcorresponds to an Inverse Digital Fourier Transform (IDFT) of a secondsize that is a fraction of the first size.

The one or more integrated circuits are configured to generate the PHYdata unit to further include a signal extension field after the dataportion if the selected boundary value exceeds a threshold, wherein aduration of the signal extension field is determined based on theselected boundary value.

The one or more integrated circuits are further configured to generate asignal field to be included in a preamble of the PHY data unit, whereinthe signal field includes an indication of the selected boundary value.

The one or more integrated circuits are further configured to generatethe preamble of the PHY data unit to further include the signal field.

The one or more integrated circuits are further configured generate thePHY data unit to further include the preamble.

The one or more integrated circuits are further configured to generatethe signal field to further include an indication to indicate whether anextension signal field is included in the PHY data unit.

The one or more integrated circuits are configured to encode theinformation bits and the first padding bits using one or more binaryconvolutional code (BCC) encoders.

The one or more integrated circuits are configured to encode theinformation bits and the first padding bits using one or more lowdensity parity check (LDPC) encoders.

The one or more integrated circuits are configured to pad the coded bitssuch that padded coded bits occupy the second portion of the last OFDMsymbol at least by adding one or more padding constellation points to aset of constellation points generated based on the coded bits.

The one or more integrated circuits are configured to pad the coded bitssuch that padded coded bits occupy the second portion of the last OFDMsymbol at least by repeating Y last coded bits, where Y is a positiveinteger greater than zero.

At least some of the various blocks, operations, and techniquesdescribed above may be implemented utilizing hardware, a processorexecuting firmware instructions, a processor executing softwareinstructions, or any combination thereof. When implemented utilizing aprocessor executing software or firmware instructions, the software orfirmware instructions may be stored in any computer readable memory suchas on a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or other storage medium, in aRAM or ROM or flash memory, processor, hard disk drive, optical diskdrive, tape drive, etc. Likewise, the software or firmware instructionsmay be delivered to a user or a system via any known or desired deliverymethod including, for example, on a computer readable disk or othertransportable computer storage mechanism or via communication media.Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency,infrared and other wireless media. Thus, the software or firmwareinstructions may be delivered to a user or a system via a communicationchannel such as a telephone line, a DSL line, a cable television line, afiber optics line, a wireless communication channel, the Internet, etc.(which are viewed as being the same as or interchangeable with providingsuch software via a transportable storage medium). The software orfirmware instructions may include machine readable instructions that,when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform variousacts.

When implemented in hardware, the hardware may comprise one or more ofdiscrete components, an integrated circuit, an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

While the present invention has been described with reference tospecific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and not tobe limiting of the invention, changes, additions and/or deletions may bemade to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating a physical layer (PHY)data unit for transmission via a communication channel, the methodcomprising: receiving, at a communication device, a set of informationbits to be included in a data portion of the PHY data unit; determining,at the communication device, a boundary within a last orthogonalfrequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, the last OFDM symbolamong one or more OFDM symbols of the data portion of the PHY data unit;adding, at the communication device, a number of pre-encoder paddingbits to the set of information bits to generate a set of paddedinformation bits, wherein the number of pre-encoder padding bits isdetermined such that the set of padded information bits, after beingencoded, fill the one or more OFDM symbols up to the boundary within thelast OFDM symbol; encoding, at the communication device, the set ofpadded information bits to generate a set of coded bits; generating, atthe communication device, a PHY preamble to include a subfield thatindicates the boundary; generating, at the communication device, the oneor more OFDM symbols to include (i) the set of coded information bits inthe one or more OFDM symbols up to the boundary within the last OFDMsymbol to allow a receiving device to stop decoding the one or more OFDMsymbols at the boundary, and (ii) post-encoder padding bits in the lastOFDM symbol following the boundary; and generating, at the communicationdevice, the PHY data unit to include the PHY preamble and the one ormore OFDM symbols of the data portion.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein: the method further comprises determining, at the communicationdevice, an excess number of information bits that do not fit in arespective maximum integer number of OFDM symbols that can be entirelyfilled by the set of information bits after being encoded; anddetermining the boundary comprises determining the boundary based atleast in part on the determined number of excess information bits. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein: generating the PHY preamble includesgenerating the PHY preamble to include a signal field, the signal fieldincluding the subfield that indicates the boundary.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein: the signal field is a high efficiency signal field A(HE-SIGA).
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: generating the PHYpreamble includes setting a value of the subfield that indicates theboundary to an integer selected from a set of integers consisting of 1,2, 3, and
 4. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein: generating the PHY dataunit further comprises including an extension field after the dataportion of the PHY data unit; and a duration of the extension field isdetermined based on the boundary.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein:generating the PHY preamble comprises generating the PHY preamble toinclude another subfield that indicates the PHY data unit includes theextension field.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:generating, at the communication device, the post-encoder padding bitsincludes repeating a subset of the coded bits multiple times.
 9. Anapparatus, comprising: a network interface device having one or moreintegrated circuit (IC) devices configured to: receive a set ofinformation bits to be included in a data portion of a physical layer(PHY) data unit, determine a boundary within a last orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, the last OFDM symbol among one ormore OFDM symbols of the data portion of the PHY data unit, add a numberof pre-encoder padding bits to the set of information bits to generate aset of padded information bits, wherein the number of pre-encoderpadding bits is determined such that the set of padded information bits,after being encoded, fill the one or more OFDM symbols up to theboundary within the last OFDM symbol, encode the set of paddedinformation bits to generate a set of coded bits, generate a PHYpreamble to include a subfield that indicates the boundary, generate theone or more OFDM symbols to include (i) the set of coded informationbits in the one or more OFDM symbols up to the boundary within the lastOFDM symbol to allow a receiving device to stop decoding the one or moreOFDM symbols at the boundary, and (ii) post-encoder padding bits in thelast OFDM symbol following the boundary, and generate the PHY data unitto include the PHY preamble and the one or more OFDM symbols of the dataportion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more ICdevices are further configured to: determine an excess number ofinformation bits that do not fit in a respective maximum integer numberof OFDM symbols that can be entirely filled by the set of informationbits after being encoded; and determine the boundary based at least inpart on the determined number of excess information bits.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more IC devices are furtherconfigured to: generate the PHY preamble to include a signal field, thesignal field including the subfield that indicates the boundary.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein: the signal field is a high efficiencysignal field A (HE-SIGA).
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the oneor more IC devices are further configured to: set a value of thesubfield that indicates the boundary to an integer selected from a setof integers consisting of 1, 2, 3, and
 4. 14. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the one or more IC devices are further configured to: include anextension field after the data portion of the PHY data unit; anddetermine a duration of the extension field based on the boundary. 15.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one or more IC devices arefurther configured to: generate the PHY preamble to include anothersubfield that indicates the PHY data unit includes the extension field.16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more IC devices arefurther configured to: generate the post-encoder padding bits at leastby repeating a subset of the coded bits multiple times.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the network interface device comprises: amedia access control (MAC) processing unit implemented on the one ormore IC devices; and a PHY processing unit implemented on the one ormore IC devices and coupled to the MAC processing unit; wherein the PHYprocessing unit is configured to: add the number of pre-encoder paddingbits to the set of information bits, encode the set of paddedinformation bits to generate the set of coded bits, generate the PHYpreamble to include a subfield that indicates the boundary, generate theone or more OFDM symbols to include (i) the set of coded informationbits in the one or more OFDM symbols up to the boundary within the lastOFDM symbol to allow a receiving device to stop decoding the one or moreOFDM symbols at the boundary, and (ii) the post-encoder padding bits inthe last OFDM symbol following the boundary, and generate the PHY dataunit to include the PHY preamble and the one or more OFDM symbols of thedata portion.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the PHY processingunit comprises: a pre-encoder padding unit implemented on the one ormore IC devices, the pre-encoder padding unit configured to generate thepre-encoder padding bits, and to add the pre-encoder padding bits to theset of information bits; one or more encoders implemented on the one ormore IC devices, the one or more encoders configured to encode the setof padded information bits to generate the set of coded bits; and apost-encoder padding unit implemented on the one or more IC devices, thepost-encoder padding unit configured to generate the post-encoderpadding bits, and to append the post-encoder padding bits to the set ofcoded bits.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the PHY processingunit further comprises: one or more constellation mappers implemented onthe one or more IC devices, the one or more constellation mappersconfigured to map subsets of i) the set of coded information bits, andii) the post-encoder padding bits, to constellation points; and one ormore inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) calculation units implementedon the one or more IC devices, the one or more IFFT calculation unitsconfigured to convert constellation points to time-domain signalscorresponding to OFDM symbols.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, whereinthe PHY processing unit comprises: one or more transceivers implementedon the one or more IC devices.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, furthercomprising: one or more antennas coupled to the one or moretransceivers.